Portable grills

ABSTRACT

Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a valve and regulator assembly and a tank blocker. The valve and regulator assembly includes a tank connector configured to removably couple a fuel tank to the valve and regulator assembly. The tank blocker is configured to prevent the portable grill from being moved from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration when the portable grill is in the erected configuration and the fuel tank is coupled to the tank connector.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/048,457, filed Jul. 6, 2020, and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/959,520, filed Jan. 10, 2020. The entireties of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/048,457 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/959,520 are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to grills and, more specifically, toportable grills.

BACKGROUND

Portable grills are intended to be transported from a storage location(e.g., a home, a garage, a shed, a commercial storage unit, a vehicle,etc.) to a variety of remotely-located destinations which may besuitable for using the portable grill to cook food. For example,portable grills are commonly transported to campsites, tailgating sites,hiking sites, parks, beaches, etc. for use at such destinations.Portable grills are conventionally configured to cook (e.g., grill,smoke, bake, roast, broil, sear, and/or otherwise heat) food itemslocated within (e.g., placed on one or more cooking grate(s) positionedwithin) a cooking chamber of the portable grill. In some instances, thecooking chamber of the portable grill is fueled by a combustible supplyof liquid petroleum gas (LP gas) that is contained under pressure withina fuel tank, with the fuel tank being removably couplable to and/or froma valve and regulator assembly of the portable grill, and/or removablycouplable to and/or from one or more other mechanical structure(s) ofthe portable grill. In some such instances, the portable grill includesa cookbox having one or more burner tube(s) that is/are operativelycoupled to the valve and regulator assembly, with the burner tube(s)being configured to generate, carry, and/or otherwise provide flameswithin the cookbox and/or within the cooking chamber of the portablegrill in response to ignition and/or combustion of the LP gas as the LPgas flows from the fuel tank, through the valve and regulator assembly,and into the burner tube(s) of the portable grill.

Many portable grills are capable of being transitioned (e.g., via one ormore foldable and/or collapsible leg(s) of the portable grill) betweenan erected configuration that is intended and/or purposed for cookingfood, and a collapsed configuration that is intended and/or purposed fortransporting and/or stowing the portable grill at a time when it is notbeing used to cook food. Such portable grills typically have a reducedform factor (e.g., a reduced height and/or a reduced width) whenpositioned in their collapsed configuration relative to thecorresponding form factor when positioned in their erectedconfiguration. In some instances, the reduced form factor associatedwith the collapsed configuration of the portable grill facilitatesloading the portable grill into a storage compartment (e.g., a trunk, aflatbed, a cargo area, etc.) of a vehicle. In some such instances, theportable grill may be unable to fit within the storage compartment whenthe portable grill is positioned in the erected configuration, but isable to fit within the storage compartment when the portable grill ispositioned in the collapsed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of an example portable grillconstructed in accordance with teachings of this disclosure, with theportable grill shown positioned in an example erected configuration.

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the portable grill of FIG. 1,with the portable grill shown positioned in the erected configuration ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1 and 2, with theportable grill shown positioned in the erected configuration of FIGS. 1and 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-3, with theportable grill shown positioned in the erected configuration of FIGS.1-3.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-4, with theportable grill shown positioned in the erected configuration of FIGS.1-4.

FIG. 6 is a left side view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-5, with theportable grill shown positioned in the erected configuration of FIGS.1-5.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-6, with theportable grill shown positioned in the erected configuration of FIGS.1-6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-7, with theportable grill shown positioned in the erected configuration of FIGS.1-7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-8taken along section A-A of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-9taken along section B-B of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a first perspective view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-10,with the portable grill shown positioned in an example collapsedconfiguration.

FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the portable grill of FIGS.1-11, with the portable grill shown positioned the collapsedconfiguration of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-12, with theportable grill shown positioned in the collapsed configuration of FIGS.11 and 12.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-13, with theportable grill shown positioned in the collapsed configuration of FIGS.11-13.

FIG. 15 is a right side view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-14, withthe portable grill shown positioned in the collapsed configuration ofFIGS. 11-14.

FIG. 16 is a left side view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-15, withthe portable grill shown positioned in the collapsed configuration ofFIGS. 11-15.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-16, with theportable grill shown positioned in the collapsed configuration of FIGS.11-16.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-17, with theportable grill shown positioned in the collapsed configuration of FIGS.11-17.

FIG. 19 is another front view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-18, withthe portable grill shown positioned in the collapsed configuration ofFIGS. 11-18.

FIG. 20 is another front view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-19, withthe portable grill shown positioned in the collapsed configuration ofFIGS. 11-19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the cooking chamber, the cookinggrate(s), and the grate retainers of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20,with the lid that partially defines the cooking chamber shown in phantomto enhance the viewability of the cooking grate(s) and the grateretainers.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the cooking chamber, the burner tube,and a portion of the ignitor assembly of the portable grill of FIGS.1-20, with the lid that partially defines the cooking chamber shown inphantom to enhance the viewability of the portion of the burner tube andthe portion of the ignitor assembly.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the valve and regulator assembly of theportable grill of FIGS. 1-20.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the first leg unit of the portablegrill of FIGS. 1-20, with the first leg unit shown in isolation.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the first leg unit of the portablegrill of FIGS. 1-20, with the first leg unit shown relative to theframe, and with the frame shown in phantom to enhance the viewability ofthe front flange and the rear flange of the first leg unit.

FIG. 26 illustrates the foldable foot of the portable grill of FIGS.1-20 positioned in an example folded configuration.

FIG. 27 is a first cross-sectional view of the foot lock assembly of thefoldable foot of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the foot lockassembly positioned in an example locked configuration.

FIG. 28 is a second cross-sectional view of the foot lock assembly ofthe foldable foot of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the footlock assembly positioned in the locked configuration of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a third cross-sectional view of the foot lock assembly of thefoldable foot of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the foot lockassembly positioned in an example unlocked configuration.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the second leg unit of the portablegrill of FIGS. 1-20, with the second leg unit shown in isolation.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the second leg unit of the portablegrill of FIGS. 1-20, with the second leg unit shown relative to theframe, and with the frame shown in phantom to enhance the viewability ofthe front flange and the rear flange of the second leg unit.

FIG. 32 is a first cross-sectional view of the wheel support frame ofthe second leg unit of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20.

FIG. 33 is a second cross-sectional view of the wheel support frame ofthe second leg unit of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the leg lock assembly of the portablegrill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shown in isolation.

FIG. 35 is a top view of the leg lock assembly of the portable grill ofFIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shown in isolation.

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the leg lock assembly of the portable grillof FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shown in isolation.

FIG. 37 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the leg lock assemblyof the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shownpositioned in an example locked configuration.

FIG. 38 is a partial cutaway front view of the leg lock assembly of theportable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shownpositioned in the locked configuration of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the leg lock assemblyof the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shownpositioned in an example first unlocked configuration.

FIG. 40 is a partial cutaway front view of the leg lock assembly of theportable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shownpositioned in the first unlocked configuration of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a partial cutaway perspective view of the leg lock assemblyof the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shownpositioned in an example second unlocked configuration.

FIG. 42 is a partial cutaway front view of the leg lock assembly of theportable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shownpositioned in the second unlocked configuration of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the tank blocker of the portable grillof FIGS. 1-20, with the tank blocker shown positioned in an examplefirst blocked configuration.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20, withthe tank blocker shown positioned in the first blocked configuration ofFIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the tank blocker of the portable grillof FIGS. 1-20, with the tank blocker shown positioned in an exampleunblocked configuration.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20, withtank blocker shown positioned in the unblocked configuration of FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the tank blocker of the portable grillof FIGS. 1-20, with the tank blocker shown positioned in an examplesecond blocked configuration.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20, withthe tank blocker shown positioned in the second blocked configuration ofFIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a rear sectional view of the leg latch assembly of theportable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg latch assembly shownpositioned in an example latched configuration.

FIG. 50 is a perspective sectional view of the leg latch assembly of theportable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg latch assembly shownpositioned in the latched configuration of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a rear sectional view of the leg latch assembly of theportable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg latch assembly shownpositioned in an example unlatched configuration.

FIG. 52 is a first perspective view of the lid lock assembly of theportable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the lid lock assembly shown inisolation.

FIG. 53 is a second perspective view of the lid lock assembly of theportable grill of FIGS. 1-20, with the lid lock assembly shown inisolation.

FIG. 54 illustrates the lid lock assembly of the portable grill of FIGS.1-20 positioned in an example unlocked configuration.

FIG. 55 illustrates the lid lock assembly of the portable grill of FIGS.1-20 positioned in an example locked configuration.

FIG. 56 is an exploded view of the portable grill of FIGS. 1-20.

FIG. 57 is a front view of an alternate implementation of the portablegrill of FIGS. 1-20, with the alternate portable grill shown positionedin the collapsed configuration of FIGS. 11-20.

Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and describedin detail below. In describing these examples, like or identicalreference numbers are used to identify the same or similar elements. Thefigures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certainviews of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematicfor clarity and/or conciseness.

Descriptors “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. are used herein whenidentifying multiple elements or components which may be referred toseparately. Unless otherwise specified or understood based on theircontext of use, such descriptors are not intended to impute any meaningof priority or ordering in time but merely as labels for referring tomultiple elements or components separately for ease of understanding thedisclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be usedto refer to an element in the detailed description, while the sameelement may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor suchas “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood thatsuch descriptors are used merely for ease of referencing multipleelements or components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example portable grills disclosed herein include features that providenumerous advantages over conventional portable grills. As one example,the disclosed portable grills include a leg lock assembly configured tolock a position of one or more leg(s) and/or one or more leg unit(s) ofthe portable grill relative to a frame of the portable grill when theportable grill is positioned in an erected configuration. In someexamples, one or more portion(s) of one or more component(s) of the leglock assembly is/are located and/or positioned within one or morerail(s) of the frame of the portable grill such that said portion(s) ofsaid component(s) of the leg lock assembly is/are partially or fullyconcealed from exposure, thereby advantageously reducing wear on, and/orreducing the possibility of mechanical damage to, the concealedportion(s) of the component(s) of the leg lock assembly.

In some examples, the above-described leg lock assembly of the disclosedportable grills includes a handle configured to unlock and/or releasethe locked position of the leg(s) and/or the leg unit(s) relative to theframe of the portable grill in response to actuation of the handle by auser of the portable grill. In some examples, the handle is actuatableto unlock and/or release the locked position of the leg(s) and/or theleg unit(s) relative to the frame when the portable grill is positionedin the erected configuration. In some examples, actuation of the handlefacilitates transitioning the portable grill from the erectedconfiguration into the collapsed configuration. In some examples, thehandle of the leg lock assembly is configured to be actuated using onlyone hand of the user of the portable grill, thereby advantageouslyleaving the other hand of the user free to assist with tasks aside fromactuating the handle. In some examples, one or more portion(s) of thehandle is/are located below (e.g., along an under side of) aframe-mounted table of the portable grill such that said portion(s) ofthe handle is/are partially or fully concealed from exposure, therebyadvantageously reducing wear on, and/or reducing the possibility ofmechanical damage to, the concealed portion(s) of the handle.

As another example, the disclosed portable grills include a tank blockerconfigured to restrict (e.g., prevent) the portable grill from beingtransitioned from the erected configuration into the collapsedconfiguration when a fuel tank that is removably couplable to and/orfrom the portable grill remains coupled to the portable grill. In someexamples, the tank blocker is operatively coupled to the above-describedleg lock assembly and to an attached fuel tank of the portable grillsuch that movement of the tank blocker from a blocked configuration(e.g., which prevents actuation of the handle of the leg lock assembly)into an unblocked configuration (e.g., which enables actuation of thehandle of the leg lock assembly) occurs automatically in response to theattached fuel tank becoming uncoupled and/or detached from the portablegrill. Thus, the tank blocker advantageously provides amechanically-automated failsafe against the possibility of a user of theportable grill failing to uncouple and/or remove the fuel tank from theportable grill prior to initiating the transition of the portable grillfrom the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration.

In some examples, the tank blocker is further configured (e.g., duallyconfigured) to restrict (e.g., prevent) a fuel tank that is removablycouplable to and/or from the portable grill from becoming coupled to theportable grill while the portable grill is in the process of beingtransitioned from the erected configuration into the collapsedconfiguration. In some examples, the tank blocker is operatively coupledto the above-described leg lock assembly such that movement of the tankblocker from an unblocked configuration (e.g., which enables a fuel tankto be coupled to the portable grill) into a blocked configuration (e.g.,which prevents a fuel tank from being coupled to the portable grill)occurs automatically in response to actuation of the handle of the leglock assembly in connection with transitioning the portable grill fromthe erected configuration into the collapsed configuration. Thus, thetank blocker also advantageously provides a mechanically-automatedfailsafe against the possibility of a user of the portable grillcoupling and/or attaching the fuel tank to the portable grill while theportable grill is in the process of transitioning from the erectedconfiguration into the collapsed configuration, and/or while the handleof the leg lock assembly is actuated.

As another example, the disclosed portable grills include a leg latchassembly configured to selectively latch one or more leg(s) and/or oneor more leg unit(s) of the portable grill in a fixed position relativeto a frame of the portable grill when the portable grill is positionedin a collapsed configuration. In some examples, the leg latch assemblyincludes a post rigidly coupled a leg and/or a leg unit of the portablegrill, and a swing plate pivotally coupled to the frame of the portablegrill, with the swing plate including an opening configured toselectively receive the post when the portable grill is in the collapsedconfiguration. In some examples, the opening of the swing plate includesa first post-receiving portion having a first diameter and a secondpost-receiving portion having a second diameter less than the firstdiameter, with the swing plate being pivotable to selectively locate thepost in the first post-receiving portion or the second post-receivingportion. In some examples, the swing plate is separable from the postwhen the post is located in the first post-receiving portion, andinseparable from the post when the post is located in the secondpost-receiving portion. In some examples, the leg latch assembly isadvantageously configured to latch the leg unit in a fixed positionrelative to the frame to prevent movement of the portable grill from thecollapsed configuration into the erected configuration when the post islocated in the second post-receiving portion, and to unlatch the legunit from the fixed position to enable movement of the portable grillfrom the collapsed configuration into the erected configuration when thepost is located in the first post-receiving portion.

As another example, the disclosed portable grills include a lid lockassembly configured to restrict (e.g., prevent) a lid of the portablegrill from opening relative to a cookbox of the portable grill when theportable grill is positioned in the collapsed configuration. In someexamples, the lid lock assembly is further configured (e.g., duallyconfigured) to enable the lid to open relative to the cookbox when theportable grill is positioned in the erected configuration. In someexamples, one or more portion(s) of one or more component(s) of the lidlock assembly is/are located and/or positioned within one or morerail(s) of a frame of the portable grill such that said portion(s) ofsaid component(s) of the lid lock assembly is/are partially or fullyconcealed from exposure, thereby advantageously reducing wear on, and/orreducing the possibility of mechanical damage to, the concealedportion(s) of the component(s) of the lid lock assembly. In someexamples, movement and/or actuation of the lid lock assembly from anunlocked configuration (e.g., which enables the lid to open relative tothe cookbox) into a locked configuration (e.g., which prevents the lidfrom opening relative to the cookbox) occurs automatically in responseto one or more leg(s) of the portable grill engaging and/or contactingone or more actuatable component(s) of the lid lock assembly inconnection with transitioning the portable grill from the erectedconfiguration into the collapsed configuration. Thus, the lid lockassembly advantageously provides a mechanically-automated failsafeagainst the possibility of the lid opening relative to the cookbox whenthe portable grill is positioned in the collapsed configuration, as mayoccur when the portable grill is being transported and/or stowed.

As another example, the disclosed portable grills include a leg unithaving one or more leg(s) and a foldable foot pivotally coupled to theleg(s). In some examples, the foldable foot of the leg unit is movable(e.g., rotatable) between an unfolded configuration in which thefoldable foot is generally aligned with (e.g., extending in a samedirection as) the leg(s) of the leg unit, and a folded configuration inwhich the foldable foot is rotated and/or pivoted at an upward anglerelative to the leg(s) of the leg unit. In some examples, the foldablefoot of the leg unit is configured to engage and/or contact anunderlying surface (e.g., a ground surface, a floor surface, etc.) inconnection with supporting the portable grill when the foldable foot ispositioned in the unfolded configuration, and the portable grill ispositioned in the erected configuration and oriented horizontally (e.g.,parallel) relative to the underlying surface. In some examples, thefoldable foot of the leg unit is further configured (e.g., duallyconfigured) to operate as and/or provide a handle by which the portablegrill can be picked up and/or carried when the foldable foot ispositioned in the folded configuration, and the portable grill ispositioned in the collapsed configuration and oriented horizontally(e.g., parallel) relative to the underlying surface. Thedually-configured nature of the foldable foot of the leg unitadvantageously eliminates any need for separate and/or multiplestructures to facilitate the supporting and carrying functions describedabove. The dually-configured nature of the foldable foot of the leg unitalso advantageously reduces the width of the portable grill when thefoldable foot is positioned in the folded configuration (e.g., when thefoldable foot is rotated and/or pivoted at an upward angle relative tothe leg(s) of the leg unit) relative to the width of the grill when thefoldable foot is positioned in the unfolded configuration (e.g., whenthe foldable foot is generally aligned with and/or extends in a samedirection as the leg(s) of the leg unit).

As another example, the disclosed portable grills include a leg unithaving a pair of legs and a support bar extending between the legs andfurther extending at an angle (e.g., orthogonally) away from the legs.In some examples, the support bar is configured to engage and/or contactan underlying surface (e.g., a ground surface, a floor surface, etc.)when the portable grill is positioned in the collapsed configuration andoriented vertically (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the underlyingsurface, thereby advantageously providing and/or functioning as amechanical support to maintain the portable grill in a verticalorientation relative to the underlying surface. In some examples, thesupport bar of the leg unit is further configured (e.g., duallyconfigured) to advantageously provide and/or function as a handle bywhich the portable grill can be picked up and/or carried when theportable grill is positioned in the collapsed configuration and orientedhorizontally (e.g., parallel) relative to the underlying surface. Thedually-configured nature of the support bar of the leg unitadvantageously eliminates any need for separate and/or multiplestructures to facilitate the supporting and carrying functions describedabove.

As another example, the disclosed portable grills include a leg unithaving a pair of legs and a support bar extending between the legs andfurther extending at an angle (e.g., orthogonally) away from the legs.In some examples, the support bar of the leg unit is configured tomaintain a cookbox and/or one or more other component(s) (e.g., a catchpan, a valve and regulator assembly, a leg lock assembly, a tankblocker, etc.) of the portable grill at a separated distance aboveand/or apart from an underlying surface (e.g., a ground surface, a floorsurface, etc.) when the portable grill is positioned in the collapsedconfiguration and oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel) relative to theunderlying surface, thereby advantageously reducing wear on, and/orreducing the possibility of mechanical damage to, the cookbox and/or theother component(s). In some examples, the support bar of the leg unit isfurther configured (e.g., dually configured) to advantageously provideand/or function as a structure by which the portable grill can be hung(e.g., from a hanging mechanism, such as one or more hook(s)) when theportable grill is positioned in the collapsed configuration and orientedvertically (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the underlying surface. Thedually-configured nature of the support bar of the leg unitadvantageously eliminates any need for separate and/or multiplestructures to facilitate the supporting and hanging functions describedabove.

As another example, the disclosed portable grills include a frame, a legunit having one or more leg(s) pivotally coupled to the frame, and a gasspring having a first end coupled to the frame and a second end locatedopposite to the first end and coupled to one of the leg(s). In someexamples, the first end of the gas spring is coupled to a rear rail ofthe frame, and the second end of the gas spring is coupled to a rear legof the leg unit. In other examples, the first end of the gas spring canalternatively be coupled to a front rail of the frame, and the secondend of the gas spring can alternatively be coupled to a front leg of theleg unit. In some examples, the gas spring is configured to restrict(e.g., prevent) the leg(s) from rapidly and/or freely collapsing underthe weight of a cookbox of the portable grill following actuation of ahandle of a leg lock assembly of the portable grill. Thus, the gasspring advantageously provides a mechanically-damped transition of theportable grill from the erected configuration into the collapsedconfiguration.

As another example, the disclosed portable grills include a cookingchamber having one or more grate retainer(s) extending inwardlytherefrom. In some examples, the grate retainer(s) is/are configured torestrict (e.g., prevent) movement of one or more cooking grate(s)located within the cooking chamber of the portable grill. In someexamples, the grate retainer(s) is/are advantageously configured torestrict (e.g., prevent) movement of the cooking grate(s) relative tothe cookbox when the portable grill is positioned in the collapsedconfiguration and oriented vertically (e.g., perpendicular) relative toan underlying surface. Thus, the grate retainer(s) advantageouslyeliminate any shifting and/or movement of the cooking grate(s) relativeto the cookbox that might otherwise occur in connection withtransporting and/or stowing the portable grill.

The above-identified features as well as other advantageous features ofthe disclosed portable grills are further described below in connectionwith the figures of the application. As used herein, the term“configured” means sized, shaped, arranged, structured, oriented,positioned and/or located. For example, in the context of a first objectconfigured to fit within a second object, the first object is sized,shaped, arranged, structured, oriented, positioned and/or located to fitwithin the second object. As used herein in the context of a firstobject circumscribing a second object, the term “circumscribe” meansthat the first object is constructed around and/or defines an areaaround the second object. In interpreting the term “circumscribe” asused herein, it is to be understood that the first object circumscribingthe second object can include gaps and/or can consist of multiplespaced-apart objects, such that a boundary formed by the first objectaround the second object is not necessarily a continuous boundary. Forexample, a plurality of trees can circumscribe a field. As used herein,the term “fastener” means any device(s), structure(s), and/ormaterial(s) that is/are configured, individually or collectively, tocouple, connect, attach, and/or fasten one or more component(s) to oneor more other component(s). For example, a fastener can be implementedby any type(s) and/or any number(s) of bolts, nuts, screws, posts,anchors, rivets, pins, clips, ties, welds, adhesives, etc.

FIGS. 1-10 illustrate an example portable grill 100 constructed inaccordance with the teachings of this disclosure, with the portablegrill 100 shown positioned in an example erected configuration 102. Morespecifically, FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of the portable grill100 shown positioned in the erected configuration 102. FIG. 2 is asecond perspective view of the portable grill 100 shown positioned inthe erected configuration 102. FIG. 3 is a front view of the portablegrill 100 shown positioned in the erected configuration 102. FIG. 4 is arear view of the portable grill 100 shown positioned in the erectedconfiguration 102. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the portable grill 100shown positioned in the erected configuration 102. FIG. 6 is a left sideview of the portable grill 100 shown positioned in the erectedconfiguration 102. FIG. 7 is a top view of the portable grill 100 shownpositioned in the erected configuration 102. FIG. 8 is a bottom view ofthe portable grill 100 shown positioned in the erected configuration102. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the portable grill 100 takenalong section A-A of FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of theportable grill 100 taken along section B-B of FIG. 7.

The portable grill 100 is configured to be positioned in the erectedconfiguration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 while the portable grill 100 isbeing used to cook one or more food item(s). As shown in FIGS. 3-6, theportable grill 100 can be located on and/or supported by an exampleunderlying surface 302 (e.g., a ground surface, a floor surface, etc.)when the portable grill 100 is positioned in the erected configuration102. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 3-6, the portable grill 100 isshown positioned in the erected configuration 102 and orientedhorizontally (e.g., parallel) relative to the underlying surface 302, asfurther described below.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-10 can be moved (e.g., transitioned)from the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into an examplecollapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20, and vice-versa. FIG.11 is a first perspective view of the portable grill 100 shownpositioned in the collapsed configuration 1102. FIG. 12 is a secondperspective view of the portable grill 100 shown positioned in thecollapsed configuration 1102. FIG. 13 is a front view of the portablegrill 100 shown positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102. FIG. 14is a rear view of the portable grill 100 shown positioned in thecollapsed configuration 1102. FIG. 15 is a right side view of theportable grill 100 shown positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102.FIG. 16 is a left side view of the portable grill 100 shown positionedin the collapsed configuration 1102. FIG. 17 is a top view of theportable grill 100 shown positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102.FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the portable grill 100 shown positioned inthe collapsed configuration 1102. FIG. 19 is another front view of theportable grill 100 shown positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102.FIG. 20 is another front view of the portable grill 100 shown positionedin the collapsed configuration 1102.

The portable grill 100 is configured to be positioned in the collapsedconfiguration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20 while the portable grill 100 isbeing transported from one location to another, and/or while theportable grill 100 is being stowed. As shown in FIGS. 13-16, 19, and 20,the portable grill 100 can be located on and/or supported by theunderlying surface 302 when the portable grill 100 is positioned in thecollapsed configuration 1102. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 13-16,the portable grill 100 is shown positioned in the collapsedconfiguration 1102 and oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel) relativeto the underlying surface 302, as further described below. In theillustrated example of FIG. 19, the portable grill 100 is shownpositioned in the collapsed configuration 1102 and oriented vertically(e.g., perpendicular) relative to the underlying surface 302, as furtherdescribed below. In the illustrated example of FIG. 20, the portablegrill 100 is shown positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102 andoriented at an angle (e.g., a forty-five degree angle) relative to theunderlying surface 302, as further described below.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 includes an example cookbox 104 andan example lid 106. The lid 106 is movably coupled to the cookbox 104via one or more example hinge(s) 402 that enable the lid 106 to be moved(e.g., pivoted and/or rotated) relative to the cookbox 104 between aclosed position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1-20) and an open position. Thecookbox 104 and the lid 106 collectively define an example cookingchamber 902 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) of the portable grill 100when the lid 106 is in the closed position. Placement of the lid 106 inthe open position enables a user to access the cookbox 104 and/or thecooking chamber 902, as may be required to load, unload, and/orotherwise access one or more food item(s) located thereon or therein.Movement of the lid 106 between the closed position and the openposition can be performed by a user of the portable grill 100 via anexample handle 108 coupled to the lid 106.

In some examples, the orientation of the cookbox 104 of the portablegrill 100 relative to the underlying surface 302 defines and/orconstitutes the orientation of the portable grill 100. For example, asshown in FIGS. 3-6 and 13-16, the cookbox 104, and therefore theportable grill 100, is oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel) relativeto the underlying surface 302. As another example, as shown in FIG. 19,the cookbox 104, and therefore the portable grill 100, is orientedvertically (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the underlying surface 302.As another example, as shown in FIG. 20, the cookbox 104, and thereforethe portable grill 100, is oriented at an angle (e.g., a forty-fivedegree angle) relative to the underlying surface 302.

The cooking chamber 902 of the portable grill 100 is configured to cook(e.g., grill, smoke, bake, roast, broil, sear, and/or otherwise heat)one or more food item(s) located therein. Such food item(s) can beplaced on one or more example cooking grate(s) 904 located within thecookbox 104 and/or within the cooking chamber 902, with the cookinggrate(s) 904 being supported by one or more portion(s) (e.g., a wallsurface, an edge, a lip, a flange, a bracket, etc.) of the cookbox 104.Example vents 404 formed along a rear surface of the lid 106 areconfigured to release heat and/or smoke from the cooking chamber 902during the cooking process. An example temperature gauge 110 is coupledto the lid 106 such that an example sensor portion 906 of thetemperature gauge 110 extends into and/or is located within the cookingchamber 902 (e.g., to sense and/or detect the temperature within thecooking chamber 902), and such that an example display portion 112 ofthe temperature gauge 110 is visible and/or viewable externally from thecooking chamber 902 (e.g., to facilitate presentation of the sensedand/or detected temperature of the cooking chamber 902 to a user of theportable grill 100).

The portable grill 100 of FIG. 1-20 further includes example grateretainers 908 located within the cooking chamber 902. As shown in FIGS.9 and 10, each grate retainer 908 extends inwardly from an example innersurface 910 of the lid 106. FIG. 21 provides an additional view of thecooking chamber 902, the cooking grate(s) 904, and the grate retainers908 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the lid 106 thatpartially defines the cooking chamber 902 shown in phantom to enhancethe viewability of the cooking grate(s) 904 and the grate retainers 908.Each grate retainer 908 of the portable grill 100 is coupled (e.g., viaone or more fastener(s)) to the lid 106 of the portable grill 100. Asshown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 21, the portable grill includes a total offour separate grate retainers 908. First and second ones of the grateretainers 908 are coupled to an example front portion 916 of the lid106, with the first and second ones of the grate retainers 908 beingspaced apart from one another along the front portion 916 of the lid 106and extending inwardly therefrom. Third and fourth ones of the grateretainers 908 are coupled to an example rear portion 918 of the lid 106,with the third and fourth ones of the grate retainers 908 being spacedapart from one another along the rear portion 918 of the lid 106 andextending inwardly therefrom. In other examples, the portable grill 100may include a different number (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 6, etc.) of grateretainers 908. In some examples, one or more of the grate retainers 908can further be coupled to the handle 108 of the lid 106, or to one ormore of the hinge(s) 402 that couple the lid 106 to the cookbox 104. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 21, the third and fourth ones ofthe grate retainers 908 that are coupled to the rear portion 918 of thelid 106 are also respectively coupled to first and second ones of thehinges 402 of the portable grill 100.

As further shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 21, the cooking grate(s) 904 is/aresupported in part by an example lip 920 of the cookbox 104. The cookinggrate(s) 904 is/are movable relative to the lip 920 when the lid 106 isin the open position. The cooking grate(s) 904 is/are retained betweenthe lip 920 and the grate retainers 908 when the lid 106 is in theclosed position, thereby restricting movement of the cooking grate(s)904 relative to the lip 920. The cooking grate(s) 904 is/are alsosupported in part by example grate support flanges 922 that are coupledto the cookbox 104. Each grate support flange 922 extends inwardly froman example inner surface 924 of the cookbox 104. The cooking grate(s)904 is/are movable relative to the grate support flanges 922 when thelid 106 is in the open position. The cooking grate(s) 904 is/areretained between the grate support flanges 922 and the grate retainers908 when the lid 106 is in the closed position, thereby restrictingmovement of the cooking grate(s) 904 relative to the grate supportflanges 922.

The grate retainers 908 of the portable grill 100 are individuallyand/or collectively configured to restrict (e.g., prevent) movement ofthe cooking grate(s) 904 of the portable grill 100 relative to the lip920 and/or the grate support flanges 922, and/or, more generally, to thecookbox 104 and/or the cooking chamber 902 of the portable grill 100. Insome examples, the grate retainers 908 are advantageously configured torestrict (e.g., prevent) movement of the cooking grate(s) 904 relativeto the lip 920 and/or the grate support flanges 922, and/or, moregenerally, to the cookbox 104 and/or the cooking chamber 902 when theportable grill 100 is positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102 andoriented either vertically (e.g., perpendicular) relative to theunderlying surface 302 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19), or at an angle(e.g., a forty-five degree angle) relative to the underlying surface 302(e.g., as shown in FIG. 20). Thus, the grate retainers 908advantageously eliminate any shifting and/or movement of the cookinggrate(s) 904 relative to the lip 920 and/or the grate support flanges922, and/or, more generally, to the cookbox 104 and/or the cookingchamber 902 that might otherwise occur in connection with transportingand/or stowing the portable grill 100.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example burnertube 202 and an example ignitor assembly 204 respectively located atleast partially within the cookbox 104 and/or at least partially withinthe cooking chamber 902. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the portion of theburner tube 202 located within the cookbox 104 and/or within the cookingchamber 902 is positioned between the cooking grate(s) 904 and anexample bottom wall 912 of the cookbox 104. The portion of the ignitorassembly 204 located within the cookbox 104 and/or within the cookingchamber 902 is similarly positioned, and is operatively coupled to theburner tube 202 such that an electrical spark produced by the ignitorassembly 204 can ignite gaseous fuel located within and/or passingthrough the burner tube 202.

FIG. 22 provides an additional view of the cooking chamber 902, theburner tube 202, and the above-referenced portion of the ignitorassembly 204 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the lid 106that partially defines the cooking chamber 902 shown in phantom toenhance the viewability of the portion of the burner tube 202 and theportion of the ignitor assembly 204 that are respectively located withinthe cooking chamber 902. As shown in FIG. 22, the burner tube 202 has aP-shaped profile including an example head portion 2202 located withinthe cookbox 104 and an example neck portion 2204 that extends from thehead portion 2202 to a location outside of the cookbox 104. In someexamples, the burner tube 202 is supported by one or more portion(s)(e.g., a wall surface, an edge, a lip, a flange, a bracket, etc.) of thecookbox 104, and the ignitor assembly 204 is supported by one or moreportion(s) (e.g., a wall surface, an edge, a lip, a flange, a bracket,etc.) of the cookbox 104 and/or of the burner tube 202.

The portable grill 100 of FIG. 1-20 further includes an example catchpan 114 coupled to the cookbox 104 via one or more example support(s)116 extending downwardly from the cookbox 104. In the illustratedexample of FIGS. 1-20, the catch pan 114 is located and/or positionedbelow the cookbox 104 in alignment with an example opening 914 formed inthe bottom wall 912 of the cookbox 104. The opening 914 of the cookbox104 is configured to enable waste (e.g., grease, ash, etc.) producedduring the cooking process to pass from the cookbox 104 and/or thecooking chamber 902 into and/or onto the catch pan 114. In someexamples, the catch pan 114 is configured to contain, carry, and/orotherwise support an example drip pan 118 that can be removably locatedon and/or within the catch pan 114. In such examples, waste passing fromthe cookbox 104 and/or the cooking chamber 902 via the opening 914 ofthe cookbox 104 is received directly within the drip pan 118. Thereceived waste can subsequently be removed from the portable grill 100by removing the drip pan 118 from the catch pan 114. In some examples,the drip pan 118 is configured as a removable metal (e.g., aluminum)liner that is intended to be periodically disposed of and replaced.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example frame120. The cookbox 104 of the portable grill 100 is circumscribed by theframe 120 and is rigidly coupled thereto such that the cookbox 104 andthe frame 120 move in a unitary manner (e.g., in connection withtransitioning the portable grill 100 from the erected configuration 102into the collapsed configuration 1102). In the illustrated example ofFIGS. 1-20, the cookbox 104 is asymmetrically located and/or positionedwithin a boundary formed by the frame 120. More specifically, thecookbox 104 is located and/or positioned closer to the left side of theframe 120 than to the right side of the frame 120. In other examples,the cookbox 104 can alternatively be asymmetrically located and/orpositioned within the frame 120 such that the cookbox 104 is insteadlocated and/or positioned closer to the right side of the frame 120 thanto the left side of the frame 120. In still other examples, the cookbox104 can alternatively be centrally located and/or positioned within theframe 120 such that the cookbox 104 is located and/or positioned in anequidistant manner relative to the right and left sides of the frame120.

In some examples, the orientation of the frame 120 of the portable grill100 relative to the underlying surface 302 defines and/or constitutesthe orientation of the portable grill 100. For example, as shown inFIGS. 3-6 and 13-16, the frame 120, and therefore the portable grill100, is oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel) relative to theunderlying surface 302. As another example, as shown in FIG. 19, theframe 120, and therefore the portable grill 100, is oriented vertically(e.g., perpendicular) relative to the underlying surface 302. As anotherexample, as shown in FIG. 20, the frame 120, and therefore the portablegrill 100, is oriented at an angle (e.g., a forty-five degree angle)relative to the underlying surface 302.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, the frame 120 is formed by aplurality of frame rails including an example front rail 122, an examplerear rail 124, an example right side rail 126, and an example left siderail 128. The rear rail 124 is spaced apart from the front rail 122, andthe left side rail 128 is spaced apart from the right side rail 126. Thefront rail 122 is coupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s) and/orinterlocking member(s)) to the right side rail 126 and the left siderail 128. The rear rail 124 is similarly coupled (e.g., via one or morefastener(s) and/or interlocking member(s)) to the right side rail 126and the left side rail 128. In other examples, two or more of theabove-identified rail(s) of the frame 120 can be integrally formed withone another such that the integrally-formed rails of the frame 120 areinseparable from one another.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, one or more portion(s) of theframe 120 (e.g., one or more portion(s) of the front rail 122, the rearrail 124, the right side rail 126, and/or the left side rail 128) is/arehollow. In some examples, the hollow portion(s) of the frame 120 is/areconfigured to receive, contain, support, and/or carry one or moreportion(s) of one or more other component(s) of the portable grill 100.For example, the hollow portion(s) of the frame 120 can receive,contain, support, and/or carry one or more portion(s) of one or morecomponent(s) of any of a first leg unit, a second leg unit, a leg lockassembly, and/or a lid lock assembly of the portable grill 100, asfurther described below. In some examples, the received, contained,supported, and/or carried portion(s) of the component(s) is/are movable(e.g., translatable and/or rotatable) within the hollow portion(s) ofthe frame 120. In some examples, locating and/or positioning theportion(s) of the component(s) within the hollow portion(s) of the frame120 partially or fully conceals the portion(s) of the component(s) fromexposure, thereby advantageously reducing wear on, and/or reducing thepossibility of mechanical damage to, the concealed portion(s) of thecomponent(s).

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example table130 rigidly coupled to the frame 120. The table 130 is configured tosupport and/or carry one or more item(s) including, for example, one ormore food item(s), one or more food preparation item(s), one or morecooking utensil(s), and/or one or more food temperature monitoringdevice(s). In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, the table 130extends between the front rail 122 and the rear rail 124 of the frame120, and further extends from the right side rail 126 of the frame 120to and/or toward the right side of the cookbox 104, therebysubstantially filling a gap that would otherwise exist between the rightside rail 126 of the frame 120 and the right side of the cookbox 104 asa result of the cookbox 104 being asymmetrically located and/orpositioned toward the left side rail 128 of the frame 120. In otherexamples described above in which the cookbox 104 is insteadasymmetrically located and/or positioned toward the right side rail 126of the frame 120, the table 130 can alternatively be located and/orpositioned between the left side rail 128 of the frame 120 and the leftside of the cookbox 104. In still other examples described above inwhich the cookbox 104 is instead centrally located and/or positionedrelative to the right side rail 126 and the left side rail 128 of theframe 120, a second table (e.g., configured as a mirror image of thetable 130) can be located and/or positioned between the left side rail128 of the frame 120 and the left side of the cookbox 104.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example supportplate 206 rigidly coupled to the frame 120, with the support plate 206being located and/or positioned below (e.g., along an underside of) thetable 130. The support plate 206 is configured to support and/or carryone or more portion(s) of one or more component(s) of the portable grill100. For example, the support plate 206 can support and/or carry one ormore portion(s) of one or more component(s) of any of the table 130, avalve and regulator assembly, and/or a leg lock assembly of the portablegrill 100, as further described below. In the illustrated example ofFIGS. 1-20, the support plate 206 extends between and is rigidly coupledto the front rail 122 and the rear rail 124 of the frame 120.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example valveand regulator assembly 208 located and/or positioned below the supportplate 206 and/or the table 130, and coupled to the support plate 206and/or the frame 120. FIG. 23 provides an additional view of the valveand regulator assembly 208 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20. Thevalve and regulator assembly 208 includes an example tank connector 210,an example burner tube connector 212, and an example valve stem 214. Thetank connector 210 is configured to removably couple (e.g., via athreaded connection) a fuel tank to the valve and regulator assembly 208and/or, more generally, to the portable grill 100. The burner tubeconnector 212 is configured to couple the valve and regulator assembly208 to the burner tube 202 of the portable grill 100 such that gaseousfuel received at the valve and regulator assembly 208 from a connectedfuel tank is directed into the burner tube 202. The valve stem 214 isconfigured to control and/or regulate the flow of gaseous fuel throughthe valve and regulator assembly 208 and/or into the burner tube 202.For example, movement (e.g., rotation) of the valve stem 214 in a firstdirection may increase the flow of gaseous fuel through the valve andregulator assembly 208 and/or into the burner tube 202, while movement(e.g., rotation) of the valve stem 214 in a second direction oppositethe first direction may decrease the flow of gaseous fuel through thevalve and regulator assembly 208 and/or into the burner tube 202.

An example control knob 132 is rigidly coupled to the valve stem 214 ofthe valve and regulator assembly such that the control knob 132 and thevalve stem 214 move (e.g., rotate) in a unitary manner. The control knob132 is configured to be moved (e.g., rotated) by a user of the portablegrill 100 to control and/or regulate (e.g., via the valve stem 214coupled to the control knob 132) the flow of gaseous fuel through thevalve and regulator assembly 208 and/or into the burner tube 202. In theillustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, the valve stem 214 of the valve andregulator assembly 208 extends through an opening (e.g., a through hole)formed in the front rail 122 of the frame 120. The control knob 132 iscoupled to a free end of the valve stem 214, and is located and/orpositioned along the front rail 122 of the frame 120 (e.g., along afront surface of the front rail 122).

An example piezo ignitor 216 of the ignitor assembly 204 of the portablegrill 100 similarly extends through an opening (e.g., a through hole)formed in the front rail 122 of the frame 120. An example ignitor button134 of the ignitor assembly 204 is coupled to and/or supported by thepiezo ignitor 216, with the ignitor button 134 being located and/orpositioned along the front rail 122 of the frame 120 (e.g., along afront surface of the front rail 122) adjacent the control knob 132.Example electrical leads 218 (e.g., wires) of the ignitor assembly 204can be routed from the piezo ignitor 216 of the ignitor assembly 204 tothe above-described portion of the ignitor assembly 204 located withinthe cookbox 104 and/or within the cooking chamber 902 of the portablegrill 100, thereby completing and/or forming an ignition circuit of theignitor assembly 204.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes one or moreexample tool hook(s) 135 rigidly coupled (e.g., via one or morefastener(s)) to the front rail 122 of the frame 120. The tool hook(s)135 is/are configured to support and/or carry one or more item(s)including, for example, one or more food preparation item(s), one ormore cooking utensil(s), one or more cleaning utensil(s), and/or one ormore food temperature monitoring device(s). In other examples, one ormore of the tool hook(s) 135 can alternatively be rigidly coupled to theright side rail 126, the left side rail 128, and/or the rear rail 124 ofthe frame 120.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example firstleg unit 136 coupled to the frame 120. In the illustrated example ofFIGS. 1-20, the first leg unit 136 includes an example front flange 138,an example rear flange 220, an example front leg 140, an example rearleg 142, an example crossbar 144, and an example foldable foot 146. FIG.24 provides an additional view of the first leg unit 136 of the portablegrill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the first leg unit 136 shown in isolation.FIG. 25 provides an additional view of the first leg unit 136 of theportable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the first leg unit 136 shownrelative to the frame 120, and with the frame 120 shown in phantom toenhance the viewability of the front flange 138 and the rear flange 220of the first leg unit 136. The front flange 138 and the rear flange 220of the first leg unit 136 are rigidly coupled to the frame 120. Morespecifically, the front flange 138 of the first leg unit 136 is rigidlycoupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the front rail 122 of theframe 120, and the rear flange 220 of the first leg unit 136 is rigidlycoupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the rear rail 124 of theframe 120.

The front leg 140 of the first leg unit 136 includes an example firstend 148 and an example second end 150 located opposite the first end148. The first end 148 of the front leg 140 is pivotally coupled (e.g.,via one or more fastener(s)) to the front flange 138 of the first legunit 136 such that the front leg 140 of the first leg unit 136 isrotatable relative to the front flange 138 of the first leg unit 136,and/or relative to the frame 120. In some examples, a rotary damper isoperatively coupled to and/or operatively located between the front leg140 and the front flange 138 of the first leg unit 136 (e.g., at thelocation where the front leg 140 is pivotally coupled to the frontflange 138). In such examples, the rotary damper is configured torestrict (e.g., mechanically dampen) the front leg 140 of the first legunit 136 from rapidly and/or freely collapsing relative to the frame 120under the weight of the cookbox 104 as the portable grill 100 istransitioned from the erected configuration 102 into the collapsedconfiguration 1102.

The rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136 includes an example first end222 and an example second end 152 located opposite the first end 222.The first end 222 of the rear leg 142 is pivotally coupled (e.g., viaone or more fastener(s)) to the rear flange 220 of the first leg unit136 such that the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136 is rotatablerelative to the rear flange 220 of the first leg unit 136, and/orrelative to the frame 120. In some examples, a rotary damper isoperatively coupled to and/or operatively located between the rear leg142 and the rear flange 220 of the first leg unit 136 (e.g., at thelocation where the rear leg 142 is pivotally coupled to the rear flange220). In such examples, the rotary damper is configured to restrict(e.g., mechanically dampen) the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136from rapidly and/or freely collapsing relative to the frame 120 underthe weight of the cookbox 104 as the portable grill 100 is transitionedfrom the erected configuration 102 into the collapsed configuration1102.

The crossbar 144 of the first leg unit 136 extends between and isrigidly coupled to the front and rear legs 140, 142 of the first legunit 136 such that movement (e.g., rotation) of the front leg 140 of thefirst leg unit 136 occurs in a unitary manner relative to movement(e.g., rotation) of the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136, andvice-versa. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, the crossbar 144of the first leg unit 136 is rigidly coupled to the front leg 140 of thefirst leg unit 136 at a location between the first end 148 and thesecond end 150 of the front leg 140, and is further rigidly coupled tothe rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136 at a location between thefirst end 222 and the second end 152 of the rear leg 142. In someexamples, the crossbar 144 of the first leg unit 136 is rigidly coupledto the front and rear legs 140, 142 of the first leg unit 136 via one ormore fastener(s). In other examples, the crossbar 144 of the first legunit 136 can alternatively be integrally formed with the front and rearlegs 140, 142 of the first leg unit 136 such that the crossbar 144 isinseparable from the front and rear legs 140, 142.

The foldable foot 146 of the first leg unit 136 is pivotally coupled(e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the second end 150 of the frontleg 140 of the first leg unit 136 and to the second end 152 of the rearleg 142 of the first leg unit 136 such that the foldable foot 146 isrotatable relative to the front and rear legs 140, 142 (e.g., between ununfolded configuration and a folded configuration). FIGS. 1-20illustrate the foldable foot 146 positioned in an example unfoldedconfiguration 154. When the foldable foot 146 is positioned in theunfolded configuration 154, the foldable foot 146 is generally alignedwith (e.g., extending in a same direction as) the front and rear legs140, 142 of the first leg unit 136. FIG. 26 illustrates the foldablefoot 146 positioned in an example folded configuration 2602. In someexamples, the portable grill 100 has an example first width 1302 whenthe foldable foot 146 is positioned in the unfolded configuration 154and the portable grill 100 is positioned in the collapsed configuration1102 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13), and further has an example secondwidth 2604 less than the first width 1302 when the foldable foot 146 ispositioned in the folded configuration 2602 and the portable grill 100is positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 26). Accordingly, movement of the foldable foot 146 from theunfolded configuration 154 into the folded configuration 2602 canadvantageously reduce the width of the portable grill 100, which can beadvantageous when a user wishes to transport the portable grill 100 in aconfined space (e.g., e.g., a trunk, a flatbed, or a cargo area of avehicle).

The foldable foot 146 is configured to engage and/or contact theunderlying surface 302 in connection with supporting the portable grill100 when the foldable foot 146 is positioned in the unfoldedconfiguration 154, and the portable grill 100 is positioned in theerected configuration 102 and oriented horizontally (e.g., parallel) tothe underlying surface 302 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3-6). The foldablefoot 146 is further configured to provide and/or function as a handle bywhich the portable grill 100 can be pushed and/or pulled when thefoldable foot 146 is positioned in the unfolded configuration 154, andthe portable grill 100 is positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102and oriented either vertically (e.g., perpendicular) relative to theunderlying surface 302 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19) or at an angle (e.g.,a forty-five degree angle) relative the underlying surface 302 (e.g., asshown in FIG. 20). The foldable foot 146 is further configured toprovide and/or function as a handle by which the portable grill 100 canbe picked up and/or carried when the foldable foot 146 is positioned inthe folded configuration 2602, and the portable grill 100 is positionedin the collapsed configuration 1102 and oriented horizontally (e.g.,parallel) relative to the underlying surface 302 (e.g., as shown in FIG.26). The multi-configured nature of the foldable foot 146 of the firstleg unit 136 advantageously eliminates any need for separate and/ormultiple structures to facilitate the above-described supporting,pushing, and/or pulling, and picking up and/or carrying functions of thefoldable foot 146.

In some examples, it may be advantageous for a user of the portablegrill 100 to step and/or stand on a portion of the foldable foot 146 inconnection with the user transitioning the portable grill 100 from thecollapsed configuration 1102 into the erected configuration 102, andvice-versa. The foldable foot 146 advantageously includes an examplefoot placement indicator 155 configured to identify a specific locationon and/or along the foldable foot 146 at which the user of the portablegrill 100 is to step and/or stand to mechanically enhance thetransitioning of the portable grill 100 from the collapsed configuration1102 into the erected configuration 102, and vice-versa.

In some examples, the foldable foot 146 includes an example foot lockassembly 156 configured to selectively lock the position of the foldablefoot 146 relative to the position of the front and rear legs 140, 142 ofthe first leg unit 136. In some examples, the foot lock assembly 156locks the foldable foot 146 relative to the front and rear legs 140, 142when the foldable foot is positioned in the unfolded configuration 154described above. In response to actuation of the foot lock assembly 156by a user of the portable grill 100 when the foldable foot 146 ispositioned in the unfolded configuration 154, the foldable foot 146 canbe released from the unfolded configuration 154 and subsequently pivotedand/or rotated from the unfolded configuration 154 into the foldedconfiguration 2602 described above.

FIGS. 27-29 further illustrate the foot lock assembly 156 of thefoldable foot 146 of FIGS. 1-20. FIG. 27 is a first cross-sectional viewof the foot lock assembly 156 of the foldable foot 146, with the footlock assembly 156 positioned in an example locked configuration 2702.FIG. 28 is a second cross-sectional view of the foot lock assembly 156of the foldable foot 146, with the foot lock assembly 156 positioned inthe locked configuration 2702. FIG. 29 is a third cross-sectional viewof the foot lock assembly 156 of the foldable foot 146, with the footlock assembly 156 positioned in an example unlocked configuration 2902.As shown in FIGS. 27-29, the foot lock assembly 156 is located and/orpositioned within an example housing 2704 that forms an example arm 2706of the foldable foot 146, with the arm 2706 being pivotally coupled tothe rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136 of the portable grill 100 viaan example connecting pin 2708. A second foot lock assembly (e.g.,configured as a mirror image of the foot lock assembly 156 shown inFIGS. 27-29) of the foldable foot 146 can be located and/or positionedwithin another housing that forms another arm of the foldable foot 146,with the arm being pivotally coupled to the front leg 140 of the firstleg unit 136 of the portable grill 100 via another connecting pin.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 27-29, the foot lock assembly 156includes the housing 2704, and further includes an example lockbar 2710,an example locking pin 2712, an example release lever 2714, and anexample compression spring 2716. The housing 2704 of the foot lockassembly 156 includes an example outer wall 2718, an example inner wall2720, example ribs 2722, an example upper wall 2802, an example lowerwall 2804, an example cavity 2724, an example first opening 2726, and anexample second opening 2728. The ribs 2722 extend inwardly from theouter wall 2718 and the inner wall 2720 of the housing 2704. The cavity2724 of the housing 2704 is defined by the interior surfaces of theouter wall 2718, the inner wall 2720, the upper wall 2802, the lowerwall 2804, and the ribs 2722 of the housing 2704. The first opening 2726of the housing 2704 extends through the outer wall 2718 and the innerwall 2720 of the housing 2704, and is configured to receive theconnecting pin 2708 by which the arm 2706 of the foldable foot 146 ispivotally coupled to the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136 of theportable grill 100. The second opening 2728 of the housing 2704 extendsthrough the inner wall 2720 and the lower wall 2804 of the housing 2704,and is configured to receive the locking pin 2712 of the foot lockassembly 156, with the locking pin 2712 being rigidly coupled (e.g., viaone or more fastener(s)) to the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136of the portable grill 100.

The lockbar 2710 of the foot lock assembly 156 is located and/orpositioned within the cavity 2724 of the housing 2704 and is supportedby the ribs 2722 thereof. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 27-29, thelockbar 2710 includes an example first notch 2806, an example secondnotch 2808, an example opening 2810, and an example slot 2812. The firstnotch 2806 of the lockbar 2710 is configured to receive the connectingpin 2708. The second notch 2808 of the lockbar 2710 is configured toreceive the locking pin 2712. The opening 2810 of the lockbar 2710 isconfigured to receive a fastener by which the release lever 2714 isrigidly coupled to the lockbar 2710 such that movement (e.g., sliding)of the release lever 2714 causes a corresponding movement (e.g.,sliding) of the lockbar 2710, and vice-versa. The slot 2812 of thelockbar 2710 is configured to receive the compression spring 2716.

The compression spring 2716 of the foot lock assembly 156 is locatedand/or positioned between the slot 2812 of the lockbar 2710 and one ofthe ribs 2722 of the housing 2704, thereby biasing the lockbar 2710 intoa first position associated with the locked configuration 2702 of thefoot lock assembly 156 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28). When thefoot lock assembly 156 is positioned in the locked configuration 2702shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the locking pin 2712 is located and/orpositioned within the second notch 2808 of the lockbar 2710, and isaccordingly locked within the housing 2704 via the lockbar 2710, therebypreventing the arm 2706 and/or, more generally, the foldable foot 146from pivoting, rotating, and/or folding relative to the rear leg 142 ofthe first leg unit 136 of the portable grill 100. The lockbar 2710 isconfigured to be moved (e.g., slid) within the housing 2704 from thefirst position associated with the locked configuration 2702 of the footlock assembly 156 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28) into a secondposition associated with the unlocked configuration 2902 of the footlock assembly 156 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 29) in response to a user ofthe portable grill 100 pushing and/or pulling the release lever 2714 ofthe foot lock assembly 156 in a direction away from the connecting pin2708, and/or in a direction opposite that of the biasing force producedby the compression spring 2716. When the foot lock assembly 156 ispositioned in the unlocked configuration 2902 shown in FIG. 29, thelocking pin 2712 is free from the second notch 2808 of the lockbar 2710,and is accordingly no longer locked within the housing 2704 via thelockbar 2710, thereby enabling the arm 2706 and/or, more generally, thefoldable foot 146 to be pivoted, rotated, and/or folded relative to therear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136 of the portable grill 100.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example gasspring 406 having an example first end 408 coupled to the rear rail 124of the frame 120, and an example second end 410 located opposite to thefirst end 408 of the gas spring 406 and coupled to the rear leg 142 ofthe first leg unit 136. In other examples, the first end 408 of the gasspring 406 can alternatively be coupled to the front rail 122 of theframe 120, and the second end 410 of the gas spring 406 canalternatively be coupled to the front leg 140 of the first leg unit 136.In still other examples, the first end 408 of the gas spring 406 canalternatively be coupled to the rear rail 124 of the frame 120, and thesecond end 410 of the gas spring 406 can alternatively be coupled to therear leg 164 of the second leg unit 158. In still other examples, thefirst end 408 of the gas spring 406 can alternatively be coupled to thefront rail 122 of the frame 120, and the second end 410 of the gasspring 406 can alternatively be coupled to the front leg 162 of thesecond leg unit 158. The gas spring 406 is configured to restrict (e.g.,prevent) the front leg 140 and/or the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit136, and/or the front leg 162 and/or the rear leg 164 of the second legunit 158 from rapidly and/or freely collapsing under the weight of thecookbox 104 of the portable grill 100 following actuation of a handle ofa leg lock assembly of the portable grill 100, as further describedbelow. Thus, the gas spring 406 advantageously provides amechanically-damped transition of the portable grill 100 from theerected configuration 102 into the collapsed configuration 1102.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example secondleg unit 158 coupled to the frame 120. In the illustrated example ofFIGS. 1-20, the second leg unit 158 includes an example front flange160, an example rear flange 224, an example front leg 162, an examplerear leg 164, an example first support bar 166, an example wheel supportframe 168, an example first wheel 170, an example second wheel 172, andan example second support bar 174. FIG. 30 provides an additional viewof the second leg unit 158 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, withthe second leg unit 158 shown in isolation. FIG. 31 provides anadditional view of the second leg unit 158 of the portable grill 100 ofFIGS. 1-20, with the second leg unit 158 shown relative to the frame120, and with the frame 120 shown in phantom to enhance the viewabilityof the front flange 160 and the rear flange 224 of the second leg unit158. The front flange 160 and the rear flange 224 of the second leg unit158 are slidably coupled to the frame 120. More specifically, the frontflange 160 of the second leg unit 158 is slidably coupled to the frontrail 122 of the frame 120 via an example front slider 3002, and the rearflange 224 of the second leg unit 158 is slidably coupled to the rearrail 124 of the frame 120 via an example rear slider 3004.

The front slider 3002 is located within the front rail 122 of the frame120 and is rigidly coupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s) extendingthrough an example slot 3102 formed along the bottom of the front rail122 of the frame 120) to the front flange 160 of the second leg unit158. The rear slider 3004 is located within the rear rail 124 of theframe 120 and is rigidly coupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)extending through an example slot 3104 formed along the bottom of therear rail 124 of the frame 120) to the rear flange 224 of the second legunit 158. The rear slider 3004 is additionally rigidly coupled (e.g.,via one or more fastener(s)) to an example locking pin carrier 3006 thatsupports and/or carries an example locking pin 3008. The rear flange224, the rear slider 3004, the locking pin carrier 3006, and the lockingpin 3008 are slidable in a unitary manner within and/or relative to therear rail 124 of the frame 120, as further described below. The frontflange 160 and the rear flange 224 of the second leg unit 158 arerespectively configured to slide and/or translate along the frame 120(e.g., along the front and rear rails 122, 124 of the frame 120) inconnection with the portable grill 100 being transitioned from theerected configuration 102 into the collapsed configuration 1102, andvice-versa.

The front leg 162 of the second leg unit 158 includes an example firstend 176 and an example second end 178 located opposite the first end176. The first end 176 of the front leg 162 is pivotally coupled (e.g.,via one or more fastener(s)) to the front flange 160 of the second legunit 158 such that the front leg 162 of the second leg unit 158 isrotatable relative to the front flange 160 of the second leg unit 158,and/or relative to the frame 120. In some examples, a rotary damper isoperatively coupled to and/or operatively located between the front leg162 and the front flange 160 of the second leg unit 158 (e.g., at thelocation where the front leg 162 is pivotally coupled to the frontflange 160). In such examples, the rotary damper is configured torestrict (e.g., mechanically dampen) the front leg 162 of the second legunit 158 from rapidly and/or freely collapsing relative to the frame 120under the weight of the cookbox 104 as the portable grill 100 istransitioned from the erected configuration 102 into the collapsedconfiguration 1102.

The rear leg 164 of the second leg unit 158 includes an example firstend 226 and an example second end 180 located opposite the first end226. The first end 226 of the rear leg 164 is pivotally coupled (e.g.,via one or more fastener(s)) to the rear flange 224 of the second legunit 158 such that the rear leg 164 of the second leg unit 158 isrotatable relative to the rear flange 224 of the second leg unit 158,and/or relative to the frame 120. In some examples, a rotary damper isoperatively coupled to and/or operatively located between the rear leg164 and the rear flange 224 of the second leg unit 158 (e.g., at thelocation where the rear leg 164 is pivotally coupled to the rear flange224). In such examples, the rotary damper is configured to restrict(e.g., mechanically dampen) the rear leg 164 of the second leg unit 158from rapidly and/or freely collapsing relative to the frame 120 underthe weight of the cookbox 104 as the portable grill 100 is transitionedfrom the erected configuration 102 into the collapsed configuration1102.

The first support bar 166 of the second leg unit 158 extends between andis rigidly coupled to the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second legunit 158 such that movement (e.g., rotation and/or translation) of thefront leg 162 of the second leg unit 158 occurs in a unitary mannerrelative to movement (e.g., rotation and/or translation) of the rear leg164 of the second leg unit 158, and vice-versa. In the illustratedexample of FIGS. 1-20, the first support bar 166 of the second leg unit158 is rigidly coupled to the front leg 162 of the second leg unit 158at a location between the first end 176 and the second end 178 of thefront leg 162, and is further rigidly coupled to the rear leg 164 of thesecond leg unit 158 at a location between the first end 226 and thesecond end 180 of the rear leg 164. In some examples, the first supportbar 166 of the second leg unit 158 is rigidly coupled to the front andrear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158 via one or morefastener(s). In other examples, the first support bar 166 of the secondleg unit 158 can alternatively be integrally formed with the front andrear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158 such that the firstsupport bar 166 is inseparable from the front and rear legs 162, 164.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, the first support bar 166 ofthe second leg unit 158 extends at an angle (e.g., orthogonally) awayfrom the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158. Thefirst support bar 166 of the second leg unit 158 is configured tomaintain the cookbox 104 and/or one or more other component(s) (e.g.,the catch pan 114, the valve and regulator assembly 208, a leg lockassembly, a tank blocker, etc.) of the portable grill 100 at a separateddistance above and/or apart from the underlying surface 302 when theportable grill 100 is positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102 andoriented horizontally (e.g., parallel) relative to the underlyingsurface 302 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 13-16), thereby advantageouslyreducing wear on, and/or reducing the possibility of mechanical damageto, the cookbox 104 and/or the other component(s) of the portable grill100. The first support bar 166 of the second leg unit 158 is furtherconfigured to provide and/or function as a structure by which theportable grill 100 can be hung (e.g., from a hanging mechanism, such asone or more hook(s)) when the portable grill 100 is positioned in thecollapsed configuration 1102 and oriented vertically (e.g.,perpendicular) relative to the underlying surface 302 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19). The dually-configured nature of the first support bar 166 ofthe second leg unit 158 advantageously eliminates any need for separateand/or multiple structures to facilitate the above-described supportingand hanging functions of the first support bar 166.

The wheel support frame 168 of the second leg unit 158 extends betweenand is rigidly coupled to the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the secondleg unit 158 such that movement (e.g., rotation and/or translation) ofthe front leg 162 of the second leg unit 158 occurs in a unitary mannerrelative to movement (e.g., rotation and/or translation) of the rear leg164 of the second leg unit 158, and vice-versa. In the illustratedexample of FIGS. 1-20, the wheel support frame 168 of the second legunit 158 is rigidly coupled to the second end 178 of the front leg 162of the second leg unit 158, and is further rigidly coupled to the secondend 180 of the rear leg 164 of the second leg unit 158. FIG. 32 providesa first cross-sectional view of the wheel support frame 168 of thesecond leg unit 158. FIG. 33 provides a second cross-sectional view ofthe wheel support frame 168 of the second leg unit 158. As shown inFIGS. 32 and 33, the wheel support frame 168 includes an example opening3202 (e.g., a through hole) configured to receive an example wheel axis3204 such that the wheel axis 3204 extends through the opening 3202 andthrough the wheel support frame 168. As further shown in FIGS. 32 and33, the wheel support frame 168 includes one or more example support(s)3206 located internally relative to an outer surface of the wheelsupport frame 168, with the support(s) 3206 being configured to receivethe wheel axis 3204 and to accordingly stabilize, support, and/orincrease the rigidity of the wheel axis 3204.

The first and second wheels 170, 172 of the second leg unit 158 arerespectively coupled to the wheel axis 3204 (e.g., at opposite ends ofthe wheel axis 3204), and are rotatable relative to the wheel supportframe 168 of the second leg unit 158. The first and second wheels 170,172 are respectively configured to enable the portable grill 100 to bemoved (e.g., pushed or pulled) along the underlying surface 302 when thefirst and second wheels 170, 172 are in contact with the underlyingsurface 302. In some examples, the first and second wheels 170, 172 arerigidly coupled to the wheel axis 3204, and the wheel axis 3204 isrotatable relative to the wheel support frame 168. In other examples,the wheel axis 3204 can alternatively be rigidly coupled to the wheelsupport frame 168, and the first and second wheels 170, 172 can berotatable relative to the wheel axis 3204.

The second support bar 174 of the second leg unit 158 extends from andis rigidly coupled to the wheel support frame 168 of the second leg unit158 such that movement of the second support bar 174 occurs in a unitarymanner relative to movement of the wheel support frame 168. In someexamples, the second support bar 174 of the second leg unit 158 isrigidly coupled to the wheel support frame 168 of the second leg unit158 via one or more fastener(s). In other examples, the second supportbar 174 of the second leg unit 158 can alternatively be integrallyformed with the wheel support frame 168 such that the second support bar174 is inseparable from the wheel support frame 168. In still otherexamples, the ends of the second support bar 174 of the second leg unit158 can extend through the wheel support frame 168, and can respectivelybe coupled to (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) the front and rearlegs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158 (e.g., at the second end 178 ofthe front leg 162 and the second end 180 of the rear leg 164).

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, the second support bar 174 ofthe second leg unit 158 extends at an angle (e.g., orthogonally) awayfrom the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158. Thesecond support bar 174 of the second leg unit 158 is configured toengage and/or contact the underlying surface 302 when the portable grill100 is positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102 and orientedvertically (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the underlying surface 302(e.g., as shown in FIG. 19), thereby advantageously providing and/orfunctioning as a mechanical support to maintain the portable grill 100in a vertical orientation relative to the underlying surface 302. Thesecond support bar 174 of the second leg unit 158 is further configuredto provide and/or function as a handle by which the portable grill 100can be picked up and/or carried when the portable grill 100 ispositioned in the collapsed configuration 1102 and oriented horizontally(e.g., parallel) relative to the underlying surface 302 (e.g., as shownin FIGS. 13-16). The dually-configured nature of the second support bar174 of the second leg unit 158 advantageously eliminates any need forseparate and/or multiple structures to facilitate the above-describedsupporting and picking up and/or carrying functions of the secondsupport bar 174.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, the first and second leg units136, 158 described above are pivotally coupled to one another. Forexample, the front leg 140 of the first leg unit 136 is pivotallycoupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the front leg 162 of thesecond leg unit 158 at a location between (e.g., approximately midwaybetween) the first end 148 and the second end 150 of the front leg 140of the first leg unit 136, and further between (e.g., approximatelymidway between) the first end 176 and the second end 178 of the frontleg 162 of the second leg unit 158. In some examples, a rotary damper isoperatively coupled to and/or operatively located between the front leg140 of the first leg unit 136 and the front leg 162 of the second legunit 158 (e.g., at the location where the front leg 140 of the first legunit 136 is pivotally coupled to the front leg 162 of the second legunit 158). In such examples, the rotary damper is configured to restrict(e.g., mechanically dampen) the front leg 140 of the first leg unit 136and/or the front leg 162 of the second leg unit 158 from rapidly and/orfreely collapsing relative to the frame 120 under the weight of thecookbox 104 as the portable grill 100 is transitioned from the erectedconfiguration 102 into the collapsed configuration 1102.

Similarly, the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136 is pivotallycoupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the rear leg 164 of thesecond leg unit 158 at a location between (e.g., approximately midwaybetween) the first end 222 and the second end 152 of the rear leg 142 ofthe first leg unit 136, and further between (e.g., approximately midwaybetween) the first end 226 and the second end 180 of the rear leg 164 ofthe second leg unit 158. In some examples, a rotary damper isoperatively coupled to and/or operatively located between the rear leg142 of the first leg unit 136 and the rear leg 164 of the second legunit 158 (e.g., at the location where the rear leg 142 of the first legunit 136 is pivotally coupled to the rear leg 164 of the second leg unit158). In such examples, the rotary damper is configured to restrict(e.g., mechanically dampen) the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136and/or the rear leg 164 of the second leg unit 158 from rapidly and/orfreely collapsing relative to the frame 120 under the weight of thecookbox 104 as the portable grill 100 is transitioned from the erectedconfiguration 102 into the collapsed configuration 1102.

The first and second leg units 136, 158 of the portable grill 100collectively provide a collapsible and/or foldable base configured tosupport the cookbox 104 and/or the frame 120 of the portable grill 100,and further configured to enable the portable grill to be transitionedfrom the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into thecollapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20, and vice-versa. Whenthe portable grill 100 is positioned in the erected configuration 102shown in FIGS. 1-10, the front and rear legs 140, 142 of the first legunit 136 are oriented at an angle (e.g., a ninety degree angle) relativeto the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158. Thearrangement of the front and rear legs 140, 142 of the first leg unit136 and the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158associated with the erected configuration 102 of the portable grill 100causes the frame 120 of the portable grill 100 to be positioned at anexample first height 304 above the underlying surface 302 (e.g., asshown in FIG. 3). When the portable grill 100 is positioned in thecollapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20, the front and rearlegs 140, 142 of the first leg unit 136 are generally parallel relativeto the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158. Thearrangement of the front and rear legs 140, 142 of the first leg unit136 and the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158associated with the collapsed configuration 1102 of the portable grill100 causes the frame 120 of the portable grill 100 to be positioned atan example second height 1304 above the underlying surface 302 (e.g., asshown in FIG. 13), with the second height 1304 being considerably lessthan the first height 304.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example leglock assembly 182 configured to lock the position of the front and rearlegs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158 of the portable grill 100relative to the frame 120 of the portable grill 100, which in turn alsolocks the position of the front and rear legs 140, 142 of the first legunit 136 of the portable grill 100 relative to the frame 120 of theportable grill 100. The leg lock assembly 182 is configured to lock theposition of the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158relative to the frame 120 when the portable grill 100 is positioned inthe erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 (e.g., while theportable grill 100 is being used to cook).

In some examples, one or more portion(s) of one or more component(s) ofthe leg lock assembly 182 is/are located and/or positioned within one ormore rail(s) (e.g., the front rail 122, the rear rail 124, the rightside rail 126, and/or the left side rail 128) of the frame 120 of theportable grill 100 such that said portion(s) of said component(s) of theleg lock assembly 182 is/are partially or fully concealed from exposure,thereby advantageously reducing wear on, and/or reducing the possibilityof mechanical damage to, the concealed portion(s) of the component(s) ofthe leg lock assembly 182. In some examples, one or more portion(s) ofone or more component(s) of the leg lock assembly 182 is/are locatedand/or positioned below (e.g., along an underside of) the table 130 ofthe portable grill 100 such that said portion(s) of said component(s) ofthe leg lock assembly 182 is/are partially or fully concealed fromexposure, thereby advantageously reducing wear on, and/or reducing thepossibility of mechanical damage to, the concealed portion(s) of thecomponent(s) of the leg lock assembly 182.

The leg lock assembly 182 of the portable grill 100 includes an examplehandle 184 configured to unlock and/or release the locked position(s) ofthe front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second leg unit 158 relative tothe frame 120 of the portable grill 100 in response to actuation (e.g.,rotation and/or translation) of the handle 184 by a user of the portablegrill 100. The handle 184 is actuatable to unlock and/or release thelocked position(s) of the front and rear legs 162, 164 of the second legunit 158 relative to the frame 120 when the portable grill 100 ispositioned in the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10.Actuation of the handle 184 facilitates transitioning the portable grill100 from the erected configuration 102 into the collapsed configuration1102. In some examples, the handle 184 of the leg lock assembly 182 isconfigured to be actuated using only one hand of the user of theportable grill 100, thereby advantageously leaving the other hand of theuser free to assist with tasks aside from actuating the handle 184.

FIGS. 34-42 further illustrate the leg lock assembly 182 of the portablegrill 100 of FIGS. 1-20. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the leg lockassembly 182 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lockassembly 182 shown in isolation. FIG. 35 is a top view of the leg lockassembly 182 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lockassembly 182 shown in isolation. FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the leglock assembly 182 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the leglock assembly 182 shown in isolation. FIG. 37 is a partial cutawayperspective view of the leg lock assembly 182 of the portable grill 100of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly 182 shown positioned in anexample locked configuration 3702, as may occur when the portable grill100 is positioned in the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10.FIG. 38 is a partial cutaway front view of the leg lock assembly 182 ofthe portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly shownpositioned in the locked configuration 3702 of FIG. 37. FIG. 39 is apartial cutaway perspective view of the leg lock assembly 182 of theportable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly 182 shownpositioned in an example first unlocked configuration 3902, as may occurin connection with initiating the transition of the portable grill 100from the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into thecollapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20. FIG. 40 is a partialcutaway front view of the leg lock assembly 182 of the portable grill100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly 182 shown positioned inthe first unlocked configuration 3902 of FIG. 39. FIG. 41 is a partialcutaway perspective view of the leg lock assembly 182 of the portablegrill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly 182 shown positionedin an example second unlocked configuration 4102, as may occur inconnection with completing the transition of the portable grill 100 fromthe erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into the collapsedconfiguration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20. FIG. 42 is a partial cutawayfront view of the leg lock assembly 182 of the portable grill 100 ofFIGS. 1-20, with the leg lock assembly 182 shown positioned in thesecond unlocked configuration 4102 of FIG. 41.

As shown in FIGS. 34-42, the leg lock assembly 182 of the portable grill100 includes the handle 184 described above, and further includes anexample lever 3402, an example support rod 3404, an example link 3406,an example lockbar 3408, an example spring carrier 3410, an exampletorsion spring 3412, and one or more example tension spring(s) 3502. Thelever 3402 of the leg lock assembly 182 includes an example base 3414,and further includes example flanges 3416 extending away from the base3414 at an angle (e.g., a ninety degree angle) relative thereto. Theflanges 3416 of the lever 3402 are configured to be pivotally coupled tothe support plate 206 of the portable grill 100 via the support rod 3404such that the lever 3402 can be rotated relative to the support plate206 between an example lowered position 3704 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 37and 38) and an example raised position 3904 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 39and 40). In this regard, the support rod 3404 extends through a firstpair of openings (e.g., through holes) formed in the flanges 3416 of thelever 3402, and similarly extends through a pair of openings (e.g.,through holes) formed in example flanges 3708 of the support plate 206of the portable grill 100. The support rod 3404 accordingly enables thelever 3402 to rotate relative to the support plate 206 about an axis ofrotation defined by the support rod 3404. The flanges 3416 of the lever3402 are further configured to be operatively coupled to the lockbar3408 of the leg lock assembly 182 via the link 3406 of the leg lockassembly 182 such that the movement of the lever 3402 from the loweredposition 3704 into the raised position 3904 is transferred to thelockbar 3408, as further described below. In this regard, the link 3406extends through a second pair of openings (e.g., through holes) formedin the flanges 3416 of the lever 3402, with a free end of the link beingoperatively coupled to the lockbar 3408, as further described below.

The handle 184 of the leg lock assembly 182 is slidably coupled to thebase 3414 of the lever 3402 via one or more example fastener(s) 3602extending through one or more example slot(s) 3604 formed in the base3414, thereby enabling the handle 184 to slide relative to the base 3414between an example retracted position 3706 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 37and 38) and an example extended position 3906 (e.g., as shown in FIGS.39 and 40). The tension spring(s) 3502 of the leg lock assembly 182is/are coupled at a first end to the handle 184 of the leg lock assembly182, and is/are further coupled at a second end opposite the first endto the lever 3402 of the leg lock assembly 182, thereby biasing thehandle 184 into the retracted position 3706. The handle 184 isconfigured to move (e.g., slide) from the retracted position 3706 intothe extended position 3906 in response to a user of the portable grill100 gripping the handle 184 and pulling the handle 184 in a directionopposite that of the biasing force(s) produced by the tension spring(s)3502. The handle 184 is further configured to move (e.g., rotate) thelever 3402 of the leg lock assembly 182 from the lowered position 3704into the raised position 3904 in response to a user of the portablegrill 100 gripping the handle 184 and pulling the handle 184 in anupward direction, as further described below.

The handle 184 of the leg lock assembly 182 includes an example handlelift blocker 3418 configured to selectively engage an example handlelift stop 3710 that is rigidly coupled (e.g., via one or morefastener(s)) to the support plate 206 of the portable grill 100. If auser of the portable grill 100 attempts to move the lever 3402 from thelowered position 3704 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38) into theraised position 3904 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40) while thehandle 184 is in the retracted position 3706 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 37and 38), the handle lift blocker 3418 of the handle 184 contacts and/orinterferes with the handle lift stop 3710 to prevent such movement ofthe lever 3402. Conversely, if a user of the portable grill 100 attemptsto move the lever 3402 from the lowered position 3704 (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 37 and 38) into the raised position 3904 (e.g., as shown in FIGS.39 and 40) while the handle 184 is in the extended position 3906 (e.g.,as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40), the handle lift blocker 3418 of the handle184 does not contact and/or interfere with the handle lift stop 3710,and such movement of the lever 3402 is enabled. Thus, the lever 3402 ofthe leg lock assembly 182 can only be moved from the lowered position3704 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38) into the raised position 3904(e.g., as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40) while the handle 184 is in theextended position 3906 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40).

The lockbar 3408 of the leg lock assembly 182 is located and/orpositioned within the rear rail 124 of the frame 120 of the portablegrill 100, and is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative thereto. In thisregard, the lockbar 3408 of the leg lock assembly 182 is pivotallycoupled to the spring carrier 3410 of the leg lock assembly 182 suchthat the lockbar 3408 is pivotable relative to the spring carrier 3410within the rear rail 124 of the frame 120. The spring carrier 3410 ofthe leg lock assembly 182 is also located and/or positioned within therear rail 124 of the frame 120 of the portable grill 100, and is rigidlycoupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) thereto. The spring carrier3410 carries and or supports the torsion spring 3412 of the leg lockassembly 182, which is also located and/or positioned within the rearrail 124 of the frame 120. The torsion spring 3412 is operativelycoupled to the spring carrier 3410 and to the lockbar 3408, with thetorsion spring 3412 being configured to bias the lockbar 3408 into aposition associated with the locked configuration 3702 of the leg lockassembly 182, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. The lockbar 3408 includes anexample slot 3420, with the slot 3420 having an example linear portion3422 and an example notch 3424 extending at an angle from the linearportion 3422. The linear portion 3422 of the slot 3420 includes anexample first end 3426 and an example second end 3428 located oppositethe first end 3426. The notch 3424 of the slot 3420 is located proximatethe first end 3426 of the linear portion 3422 of the slot 3420 andextends downwardly therefrom.

When the leg lock assembly 182 is positioned in the locked configuration3702 shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the linear portion 3422 of the slot 3420of the lockbar 3408 is oriented at an upward angle (e.g., such that thefirst end 3426 of the linear portion 3422 is raised above the second end3428 of the linear portion 3422). The torsion spring 3412 biases thelockbar 3408 into a position consistent with the upwardly-angledorientation of the linear portion 3422 of the slot 3420, as shown inFIGS. 37 and 38. When the leg lock assembly 182 is positioned in eitherthe first unlocked configuration 3902 shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 or thesecond unlocked configuration 4102 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the linearportion 3422 of the slot 3420 of the lockbar 3408 is orientedhorizontally (e.g., such that the first end 3426 of the linear portion3422 is at approximately the same vertical position as the second end3428 of the linear portion 3422). The bias provided on the lockbar 3408by the torsion spring 3412 must be overcome in order for the lockbar3408 to be moved from a position consistent with the upwardly-angledorientation of the linear portion 3422 of the slot 3420 (e.g., as shownin FIGS. 37 and 38) into a position consistent with thehorizontally-angled orientation of the linear portion 3422 of the slot3420 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40).

The slot 3420 (e.g., both the linear portion 3422 and the notch 3424) isconfigured to receive, carry, and/or support the above-described lockingpin 3008, which in turn is carried and/or supported by the locking pincarrier 3006, with the locking pin carrier 3006 being rigidly coupled tothe rear slider 3004, and with the rear slider 3004 being rigidlycoupled to the rear flange 224 of the second leg unit 158. When the leglock assembly 182 is positioned in the locked configuration 3702 shownin FIGS. 37 and 38 (e.g., as may occur when the portable grill 100 ispositioned in the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10), thelocking pin 3008 is located and/or positioned within the notch 3424 ofthe slot 3420, thereby preventing the locking pin 3008, the locking pincarrier 3006, the rear slider 3004, and the rear flange 224 of thesecond leg unit 158 from moving (e.g., sliding) relative to the rearrail 124 of the frame 120. Locking the position of the rear flange 224relative to the rear rail 124 of the frame 120 in connection with thelocked configuration 3702 of the leg lock assembly 182 more broadlylocks the position of the second leg unit 158 of the portable grill 100relative to the frame 120 while the portable grill 100 is positioned inthe erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10.

When the leg lock assembly 182 is positioned in either the firstunlocked configuration 3902 shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 (e.g., as may occurin connection with initiating the transition of the portable grill 100from the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into thecollapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20) or the secondunlocked configuration 4102 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 (as may occur inconnection with completing the transition of the portable grill 100 fromthe erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into the collapsedconfiguration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20), the locking pin 3008 islocated and/or positioned within the linear portion 3422 of the slot3420, thereby enabling the locking pin 3008, the locking pin carrier3006, the rear slider 3004, and the rear flange 224 of the second legunit 158 to move (e.g., slide) relative to the rear rail 124 of theframe 120. Enabling movement of the position of the rear flange 224relative to the rear rail 124 of the frame 120 in connection with thefirst unlocked configuration 3902 and/or the second unlockedconfiguration 4102 of the leg lock assembly 182 more broadly enablesmovement of the position of the second leg unit 158 of the portablegrill 100 relative to the frame 120 in connection with transitioning theportable grill 100 from the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS.1-10 into the collapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 1-20, andvice-versa.

The link 3406 of the leg lock assembly 182 operatively couples thelockbar 3408 to the lever 3402 and/or to the handle 184 such thatmovement (e.g., rotation) of the lever 3402 and/or movement (e.g.,rotation) of the handle 184 is transferred from the lever 3402 and/orthe handle 184 to the link 3406, and from the link 3406 to the lockbar3408. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 34-42, the lockbar 3408includes an example notch 3430 located proximate the second end 3428 ofthe linear portion 3422 of the slot 3420 of the lockbar 3408. The link3406 extends from the flanges 3416 of the lever 3402 through an exampleslot 3712 formed in the rear rail 124 of the frame 120 such that anexample portion 3432 of the link 3406 proximate an example free end 3504of the link 3406 is located and/or positioned within the notch 3430 ofthe lever 3402. The portion 3432 of the link 3406 is movable (e.g.,upwardly movable) within the notch 3430 of the lockbar 3408 in responseto the lever 3402 of the leg lock assembly 182 being moved (e.g., raisedvia the handle 184 of the leg lock assembly 182) from the loweredposition 3704 shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 into the raised position 3904shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 while the handle 184 is positioned in theextended position 3906 shown in FIGS. 39 and 40.

Moving the link 3406 upward within the notch 3430 of the lockbar 3408generates an upward force on the lockbar 3408 that overcomes the biasingforce produced by the torsion spring 3412, thereby enabling the lockbar3408 to be moved from a position consistent with the upwardly-angledorientation of the linear portion 3422 of the slot 3420 (e.g., as shownin FIGS. 37 and 38) into a position consistent with thehorizontally-angled orientation of the linear portion 3422 of the slot3420 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40). As discussed above, suchmovement of the lockbar 3408 positions the locking pin 3008 within thelinear portion 3422 of the slot 3420 of the lockbar 3408, therebyenabling the locking pin 3008, the locking pin carrier 3006, the rearslider 3004, and the rear flange 224 of the second leg unit 158 to move(e.g., slide) relative to the rear rail 124 of the frame 120. Enablingmovement of the position of the rear flange 224 relative to the rearrail 124 of the frame 120 in connection with the first unlockedconfiguration 3902 and/or the second unlocked configuration 4102 of theleg lock assembly 182 more broadly enables movement of the position ofthe second leg unit 158 of the portable grill 100 relative to the frame120 in connection with transitioning the portable grill 100 from theerected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into the collapsedconfiguration 1102 shown in FIGS. 1-20, and vice-versa. Accordingly, auser of the portable grill 100 can transition the leg lock assembly 182from the locked configuration 3702 shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 into thefirst unlocked configuration 3902 shown in FIGS. 39 and 40 (e.g., tounlock and/or release the second leg unit 158 of the portable grill 100in connection with transitioning the portable grill 100 from the erectedconfiguration 102 into the collapsed configuration 1102) by moving thehandle 184 from the retracted position 3706 into the extended position3906, and by then moving the lever 3402 (e.g., via the handle 184) fromthe lowered position 3704 into the raised position 3904.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example tankblocker 186 configured to restrict (e.g., prevent) the portable grill100 from being transitioned from the erected configuration 102 shown inFIGS. 1-10 into the collapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20when a fuel tank that is removably couplable to the portable grill 100(e.g., via a threaded connection formed between the fuel tank and thetank connector 210 of the valve and regulator assembly 208) remainscoupled to the portable grill 100. In some examples, the tank blocker186 is operatively coupled to the above-described leg lock assembly 182and to an attached fuel tank of the portable grill 100 such thatmovement of the tank blocker 186 from a blocked configuration (e.g.,which prevents actuation of the handle 184 of the leg lock assembly 182from the retracted position 3706 into the extended position 3906) intoan unblocked configuration (e.g., which enables actuation of the handle184 of the leg lock assembly 182 from the retracted position 3706 intothe extended position 3906) occurs automatically in response to theattached fuel tank becoming uncoupled and/or detached from the portablegrill 100. Thus, the tank blocker 186 advantageously provides amechanically-automated failsafe against the possibility of a user of theportable grill 100 failing to uncouple and/or remove the fuel tank fromthe portable grill 100 prior to initiating the transition of theportable grill 100 from the erected configuration 102 into the collapsedconfiguration 1102.

The tank blocker 186 is further configured (e.g., dually configured) torestrict (e.g., prevent) a fuel tank that is removably couplable to theportable grill 100 (e.g., via a threaded connection formed between thefuel tank and the tank connector 210 of the valve and regulator assembly208) from becoming coupled to the portable grill 100 while the portablegrill 100 is in the process of being transitioned from the erectedconfiguration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into the collapsed configuration1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20. In some examples, the tank blocker 186 isoperatively coupled to the above-described leg lock assembly 182 suchthat movement of the tank blocker 186 from an unblocked configuration(e.g., which enables a fuel tank to be coupled to the portable grill100) into a blocked configuration (e.g., which prevents a fuel tank frombeing coupled to the portable grill 100) occurs automatically inresponse to actuation of the handle 184 of the leg lock assembly 182 inconnection with transitioning the portable grill 100 from the erectedconfiguration 102 into the collapsed configuration 1102. Thus, the tankblocker 186 also advantageously provides a mechanically-automatedfailsafe against the possibility of a user of the portable grill 100coupling and/or attaching the fuel tank to the portable grill 100 whilethe portable grill 100 is in the process of transitioning from theerected configuration 102 into the collapsed configuration 1102, and/orwhile the handle 184 of the leg lock assembly 182 is actuated into theextended position 3906.

FIGS. 43-48 further illustrate the tank blocker 186 of the portablegrill 100 of FIGS. 1-20. FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the tankblocker 186 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the tankblocker 186 shown positioned in an example first blocked configuration4302. FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the portable grill 100 of FIGS.1-20, with the tank blocker 186 shown positioned in the first blockedconfiguration 4302 of FIG. 43. FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the tankblocker 186 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the tankblocker 186 shown positioned in an example unblocked configuration 4502.FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20,with tank blocker 186 shown positioned in the unblocked configuration4502 of FIG. 45. FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the tank blocker 186of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the tank blocker 186 shownpositioned in an example second blocked configuration 4702. FIG. 48 is aperspective view of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the tankblocker 186 shown positioned in the second blocked configuration 4702 ofFIG. 47.

As shown in FIGS. 43-48, the tank blocker 186 of the portable grill 100includes the lever 3402 and the handle 184 of the leg lock assembly 182,and further includes an example wire form 4304 having an example firstarm 4306, and example second arm 4308, and an example central portion4310 extending between the first arm 4306 and the second arm 4308. Thefirst arm 4306 and the second arm 4308 of the wire form 4304 arepivotally coupled to the lever 3402 via example flanges that extenddownwardly from the base 3414 of the lever 3402. The central portion4310 of the wire form 4304 has a contoured and/or curved profileconfigured to complement (e.g., match) a contoured and/or curved profileof an example fuel tank 4402 that is removably couplable to the portablegrill 100. The lever 3402 includes an example first notch 4314 and anexample second notch 4316. The handle 184 includes an example notch 4318configured to selectively align with the first notch 4314 of the lever3402. The first notch 4314 of the lever 3402 and the notch 4318 of theof the handle 184 are respectively configured to receive the first arm4306 of the wire form 4304. The second notch 4316 of the lever 3402 isconfigured to receive the second arm 4308 of the wire form 4304.

The wire form 4304 of the tank blocker 186 is movable (e.g., pivotable)between an example raised position 4320 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 43 and44) and an example lowered position 4504 (e.g., as shown in FIGS.45-48). When the wire form 4304 of the tank blocker 186 is locatedand/or positioned in the raised position 4320, a portion of the firstarm 4306 of the wire form 4304 is located and/or positioned within thefirst notch 4314 of the lever 3402 and the notch 4318 of the handle 184,and a portion of the second arm 4308 of the wire form 4304 is locatedand/or positioned within the second notch 4316 of the lever 3402, asgenerally shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. As shown in FIG. 44, the wire form4304 of the tank blocker 186 can be moved into and/or maintained in theraised position 4320 in response to the fuel tank 4402 being coupledand/or attached to the portable grill 100 (e.g., via a threadedconnection formed between the fuel tank 4402 and the tank connector 210of the valve and regulator assembly 208). In this regard, the act ofmanually coupling and/or attaching the fuel tank 4402 to the portablegrill 100 causes an example surface 4404 (e.g., a sidewall) of the fueltank 4402 to contact the central portion 4310 of the wire form 4304 in amanner that pivots the wire form 4304 in an upward direction towardand/or into the raised position 4320.

When the wire form 4304 of the tank blocker 186 is located and/orpositioned in the lowered position 4504, the first arm 4306 of the wireform 4304 is located and/or positioned outside of the first notch 4314of the lever 3402 and the notch 4318 of the handle 184, and the secondarm 4308 of the wire form 4304 is located and/or positioned outside ofthe second notch 4316 of the lever 3402, as generally shown in FIGS.45-48. As shown in FIG. 46, the wire form 4304 of the tank blocker 186can be moved into and/or maintained in the lowered position 4504 inresponse to the fuel tank 4402 being uncoupled and/or detached from theportable grill 100 (e.g., via a threaded connection formed between thefuel tank 4402 and the tank connector 210 of the valve and regulatorassembly 208). In this regard, the act of manually uncoupling and/ordetaching the fuel tank 4402 from the portable grill 100 causes thesurface 4404 (e.g., the sidewall) of the fuel tank 4402 to be removedfrom contact with the central portion 4310 of the wire form 4304 in amanner that enables and/or causes the wire form 4304 to then pivot(e.g., under the application of gravity) in an downward direction towardand/or into the lowered position 4504.

The first blocked configuration 4302 of the tank blocker 186 (e.g., asshown in FIGS. 43 and 44) occurs when the portable grill is in theerected configuration 102, the leg lock assembly 182 is in the lockedconfiguration 3702, the lever is in the lowered position 3704, thehandle is retracted position 3706, the wire form 4304 is in the raisedposition 4320, and the fuel tank 4402 is coupled and/or attached to theportable grill 100. The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 cannot betransitioned from the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 intothe collapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20 while the tankblocker 186 of the portable grill 100 is in the first blockedconfiguration 4302. In this regard, commonly locating a portion of thefirst arm 4306 of the wire form 4304 of the tank blocker 186 within thefirst notch 4314 of the lever 3402 and the notch 4318 of the handle 184(e.g., as occurs while the tank blocker 186 is in the first blockedconfiguration 4302) prevents and/or blocks the handle 184 from slidingrelative to the lever 3402, and accordingly prevents and/or blocks thehandle 184 from moving away from the retracted position 3706 towardand/or into the extended position 3906. Preventing and/or blocking themovement of the handle 184 from the retracted position 3706 towardand/or into the extended position 3906 in turn prevents and/or blocksthe ability of the portable grill 100 to be transitioned from theerected configuration 102 into the collapsed configuration 1102.

The unblocked configuration 4502 of the tank blocker 186 (e.g., as shownin FIGS. 45 and 46) occurs when the portable grill is in the erectedconfiguration 102, the leg lock assembly 182 is in the lockedconfiguration 3702, the lever is in the lowered position 3704, thehandle is retracted position 3706, the wire form 4304 is in the loweredposition 4504, and the fuel tank 4402 is uncoupled and/or detached fromthe portable grill 100. The act of transitioning the portable grill 100of FIGS. 1-20 from the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10into the collapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20 can beinitiated while the tank blocker 186 of the portable grill 100 is in theunblocked configuration 4502. In this regard, removing the first arm4306 of the wire form 4304 of the tank blocker 186 from the first notch4314 of the lever 3402 and the notch 4318 of the handle 184 (e.g., asoccurs while the tank blocker 186 is in the unblocked configuration4502) enables the handle 184 to slide relative to the lever 3402, andaccordingly enables the handle 184 to move away from the retractedposition 3706 toward and/or into the extended position 3906. Enablingthe movement of the handle 184 from the retracted position 3706 towardand/or into the extended position 3906 in turn enables the act oftransitioning the portable grill 100 from the erected configuration 102into the collapsed configuration 1102 to be initiated.

The second blocked configuration 4702 of the tank blocker 186 (e.g., asshown in FIGS. 47 and 48) occurs when the portable grill istransitioning from the erected configuration 102 into the collapsedconfiguration 1102, the leg lock assembly 182 is in the first unlockedconfiguration 3902, the lever is in the lowered position 3704 or theraised position 3904, the handle is extended position 3906, the wireform 4304 is in the lowered position 4504, and the fuel tank 4402 isuncoupled and/or detached from the portable grill 100. The fuel tank4402 cannot be coupled and/or attached to the portable grill 100 (e.g.,via the threaded connection formed between the fuel tank 4402 and thetank connector 210 of the valve and regulator assembly 208) while thetank blocker 186 of the portable grill 100 is in the second blockedconfiguration 4702. In this regard, positioning the handle 184 in theextended position 3906 (e.g., as occurs while the tank blocker 186 is inthe second blocked configuration 4702) moves the notch 4318 of thehandle 184 out of alignment with the first notch 4314 of the lever 3402,and instead causes an example surface 4704 of the handle 184 to extendacross the first notch 4314 of the lever 3402. The extension of thesurface 4704 of the handle 184 across the first notch 4314 of the lever3402 prevents and/or blocks the first arm 4306 of the wire form 4304 ofthe tank blocker 186 from being moved into and/or within the first notch4314 of the lever 3402, and accordingly prevents the wire form 4304 ofthe tank blocker 186 from being moved into the raised position 4320.Preventing and/or blocking the wire form 4304 from being moved into theraised position 4320 in turn prevents and/or blocks the ability of thefuel tank 4402 to become coupled and/or attached to the portable grill100.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example leglatch assembly 1402 configured to selectively latch one or more leg(s)and/or one or more leg unit(s) (e.g., the front leg 140 and/or the rearleg 142 of the first leg unit 136, and/or the front leg 162 and/or therear leg 164 of the second leg unit 158) of the portable grill 100 in afixed position relative to the frame 120 of the portable grill when theportable grill 100 is positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102. Inthe illustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, the leg latch assembly 1402includes an example post 1404 rigidly coupled (e.g., via one or morefastener(s)) to the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136, and anexample swing plate 1406 pivotally coupled (e.g., via one or morefastener(s)) to the rear rail 124 of the frame 120. In other examples,the post 1404 of the leg latch assembly 1402 can alternatively berigidly coupled (e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the rear leg 164of the second leg unit 158. In still other examples, the post 1404 ofthe leg latch assembly 1402 can alternatively be rigidly coupled (e.g.,via one or more fastener(s)) to the front leg 140 of the first leg unit136 or to the front leg 162 of the second leg unit 158, and the swingplate 1406 of the leg latch assembly 1402 can be pivotally coupled(e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the front rail 122 of the frame120. For example, FIG. 57 illustrates an alternate implementation of theportable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 (e.g., identified in FIG. 57 asalternate portable grill 100A), with the alternate portable grill 100Ashown positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102 of FIGS. 11-20. Thealternate portable grill 100A of FIG. 57 is substantially identical tothe portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, differing only in that the post1404 of the leg latch assembly 1402 is rigidly coupled to the front leg140 (as opposed to the rear leg 142) of the first leg unit 136, and theswing plate 1406 of the leg latch assembly 1402 is pivotally coupled tothe front rail 122 (as opposed to the rear rail 124) of the frame 120.

In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-20, the swing plate 1406 includesan example opening 1408 configured to selectively receive the post 1404when the portable grill 100 is in the collapsed configuration 1102.FIGS. 49-51 illustrate the leg latch assembly 1402 of the portable grill100 in greater detail. In this regard, FIG. 49 is a rear sectional viewof the leg latch assembly 1402 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20,with the leg latch assembly 1402 shown positioned in an example latchedconfiguration 4902. FIG. 50 is a perspective sectional view of the leglatch assembly 1402 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with theleg latch assembly 1402 shown positioned in the latched configuration4902 of FIG. 49. FIG. 51 is a rear sectional view of the leg latchassembly 1402 of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20, with the leglatch assembly 1402 shown positioned in an example unlatchedconfiguration 5102. As shown in FIGS. 49-51, the opening 1408 of theswing plate 1406 includes an example first post-receiving portion 4904having a first diameter, and an example second post-receiving portion4906 having a second diameter less than the first diameter. The swingplate 1406 is pivotable (e.g., about fastener that couples the swingplate 1406 to the rear rail 124 of the frame 120) to selectively locatethe post 1404 in the first post-receiving portion 4904 of the opening1408 or the second post-receiving portion 4906 of the opening 1408.

The swing plate 1406 is configured to be separable from the post 1404when the post 1404 is located in the first post-receiving portion 4904of the opening 1408, and to be inseparable from the post 1404 when thepost 1404 is located in the second post-receiving portion 4906 of theopening 1408. For example, the post 1404 includes an example shaft 5002extending away from the rear rail 124 of the frame 120. An example freeend 5004 of the shaft 5002 (e.g., located away from the rear rail 124 ofthe frame 120) includes an example flange 5006 having a diameter that isgreater than a diameter of the shaft 5002. In this regard, the diameterof the shaft 5002 is less than or equal to the diameter of the secondpost-receiving portion 4906 of the opening 1408, and less than thediameter of the first post-receiving portion 4904 of the opening 1408.By contrast, the diameter of the flange 5006 is greater than thediameter of the second post-receiving portion 4906 of the opening 1408,and less than or equal to the diameter of the first post-receivingportion 4904 of the opening 1408.

The above-described dimensional relationships between the firstpost-receiving portion 4904 of the opening 1408, the secondpost-receiving portion 4906 of the opening 1408, the shaft 5002 of thepost 1404, and the flange 5006 of the post 1404 enable the swing plate1406 to be pivoted (e.g., manually rotated by a user of the portablegrill 100) relative to the post 1404 to move the post 1404 from alocation within the second post-receiving portion 4906 of the opening1408 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 49 and 50) into a location within thefirst post-receiving portion 4904 of the opening 1408. When the post1404 is located in the first post-receiving portion 4904 of the opening1408, an example lower portion 4908 of the swing plate 1406 can be moved(e.g., manually pulled by a user of the portable grill 100) in adirection away from the rear rail 124 of the frame 120 of the portablegrill 100, thereby enabling the post 1404 to be removed from the opening1408 via the first post-receiving portion 4904 of the opening 1408, andfurther enabling the swing plate 1406 to be lifted off of and/or overboth the shaft 5002 and the flange 5006 of the post 1404. In someexamples, the swing plate 1406 is formed from a semi-flexible materialto facilitate moving the swing plate 1406 off of and/or over both theshaft 5002 and the flange 5006 of the post 1404. In other examples, theswing plate 1406 can be slidable relative to the rear rail 124 of theframe 120 (e.g., in a direction toward and/or away from the rear rail124 of the frame 120) to facilitate moving the swing plate 1406 off ofand/or over both the shaft 5002 and the flange 5006 of the post 1404.Once the swing plate 1406 has been lifted off of and/or over both theshaft 5002 and the flange 5006 of the post 1404, the swing plate 1406can be subsequently pivoted (e.g., manually rotated by a user of theportable grill 100) to a location past (e.g., laterally offset from) thepost 1404, as generally shown in FIG. 51.

The above-described leg latch assembly 1402 is advantageously configuredto latch the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136 in a fixed positionrelative to the frame 120 to prevent movement of the rear leg 142and/or, more generally, of the first leg unit 136 relative to the frame120. As a result of first leg unit 136 of the portable grill 100 beingmechanically coupled to the second leg unit 158 of the portable grill100, the latching of the rear leg 142 of the first leg unit 136 in thefixed position relative to the frame 120 additionally prevents movementof the second leg unit 158 relative to the frame 120. When the post 1404is located in the second post-receiving portion 4906 of the opening 1408of the swing plate 1406, the leg latch assembly 1402 prevents movementof the first leg unit 136 and/or the second leg unit 158 relative to theframe 120, which in turn prevents movement of the portable grill 100from the collapsed configuration 1102 into the erected configuration102. When the post 1404 is located in the first post-receiving portion4904 of the opening 1408 of the swing plate 1406, and/or when the post1404 is removed entirely from the opening 1408 of the seeing plate 1406,the leg latch assembly 1402 enables movement of the first leg unit 136and/or the second leg unit 158 relative to the frame 120, which in turnenables movement of the portable grill 100 from the collapsedconfiguration 1102 into the erected configuration 102.

The portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20 further includes an example lidlock assembly 188 configured to restrict (e.g., prevent) the lid 106 ofthe portable grill 100 from opening relative to the cookbox 104 of theportable grill 100 when the portable grill 100 is positioned in thecollapsed configuration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20. The lid lock assembly188 is further configured to enable the lid 106 to open relative to thecookbox 104 when the portable grill 100 is positioned in the erectedconfiguration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10. In some examples, one or moreportion(s) of one or more component(s) of the lid lock assembly 188is/are located and/or positioned within one or more rail(s) (e.g., thefront rail 122, the right side rail 126, and/or the left side rail 128)of the frame 120 of the portable grill such that said portion(s) of saidcomponent(s) of the lid lock assembly 188 is/are partially or fullyconcealed from exposure, thereby advantageously reducing wear on, and/orreducing the possibility of mechanical damage to, the concealedportion(s) of the component(s) of the lid lock assembly 188.

In some examples, movement and/or actuation of the lid lock assembly 188from an unlocked configuration (e.g., which enables the lid 106 to openrelative to the cookbox 104) into a locked configuration (e.g., whichprevents the lid 106 from opening relative to the cookbox 104) occursautomatically in response to the front leg 140 of the first leg unit 136and/or the front leg 162 of the second leg unit 158 engaging and/orcontacting one or more actuatable component(s) of the lid lock assembly188 in connection with the portable grill 100 being transitioned fromthe erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into the collapsedconfiguration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20. Thus, the lid lock assembly 188advantageously provides a mechanically-automated failsafe against thepossibility of the lid 106 opening relative to the cookbox 104 when theportable grill 100 is positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102, asmay occur when the portable grill 100 is being transported and/orstowed.

FIGS. 52-55 further illustrate the lid lock assembly 188 of the portablegrill 100 of FIGS. 1-20. FIG. 52 is a first perspective view of the lidlock assembly 188 in isolation. FIG. 53 is a second perspective view ofthe lid lock assembly 188 in isolation. FIG. 54 illustrates the lid lockassembly 188 positioned in an example unlocked configuration 5402, asmay occur when the portable grill 100 is positioned in the erectedconfiguration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10. FIG. 55 illustrates the lid lockassembly 188 positioned in an example locked configuration 5502, as mayoccur when the portable grill 100 is positioned in the collapsedconfiguration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20.

As shown in FIGS. 52-55, the lid lock assembly 188 of the portable grill100 includes an example upper housing 5202, an example lower housing5204, an example locking flange 5206, an example lever 5208, an examplelink 5210, and an example tension spring 5212. The upper housing 5202 ofthe lid lock assembly 188 includes an example slot 5214 configured toreceive the locking flange 5206 of the lid lock assembly 188 such that aportion of the locking flange 5206 is rotatable through the slot 5214 ofthe upper housing 5202. The lower housing 5204 of the lid lock assembly188 includes an example slot 5216 configured to receive the lever 5208of the lid lock assembly 188 such that a portion of the lever 5208 isslidable through the slot 5216 of the lower housing 5204.

The upper housing 5202 and the lower housing 5204 of the lid lockassembly 188 are rigidly coupled to one another via one or morefastener(s) extending through example upper bosses 5218 of the upperhousing 5202 and example lower bosses 5220 of the lower housing 5222.The upper housing 5202 and the lower housing 5204 and respectivelyconfigured to couple the lid lock assembly 188 to the front rail 122 ofthe frame 120 of the portable grill 100. In the illustrated example ofFIGS. 52-55, one or more portion(s) of the locking flange 5206, thelever 5208, the link 5210, the tension spring 5212, the upper bosses5218, and the lower bosses 5220 are located and/or positioned within thefront rail 122 of the frame 120 and partially or fully concealed fromexposure, thereby advantageously reducing wear on, and/or reducing thepossibility of mechanical damage to, the concealed portion(s) of thelocking flange 5206, the lever 5208, the link 5210, the tension spring5212, the upper bosses 5218, and the lower bosses 5220 of the lid lockassembly 188.

The locking flange 5206 of the lid lock assembly 188 is pivotallycoupled to the upper housing 5202 of the lid lock assembly 188 such thatthe locking flange 5206 can be rotated relative to the upper housing5202 (e.g., through the slot 5214 of the upper housing 5202) between anexample lowered position 5404 associated with the unlocked configuration5402 of the lid lock assembly 188 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 54) and anexample raised position 5504 associated with the locked configuration5502 of the lid lock assembly 188 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 55). When thelocking flange 5206 is in the lowered position 5404 shown in FIG. 54,the locking flange 5206 does not cover, block, restrict, and/orotherwise interfere with any portion of the lid 106 of the portablegrill 100, and the lid 106 of the portable grill 100 accordingly remainsfree to move (e.g., from a closed position into and open position, andvice-versa) relative to the cookbox 104 of the portable grill 100. Whenthe locking flange 5206 is in the raised position 5504 shown in FIG. 55,the locking flange 5206 covers, blocks, restricts, and/or otherwiseinterferes with an example lip 5406 (e.g., an outwardly extendingflange) of the lid 106 of the portable grill 100, thereby locking thelid 106 in a closed position relative to the cookbox 104 of the portablegrill 100. When the lid 106 is locked in the closed position relative tothe cookbox 104 via the locking flange 5206, the locking flange 5206blocks and/or prevents the lid 106 from opening relative to the cookbox104.

The lever 5208 of the lid lock assembly 188 is slidably coupled to thelower housing 5204 of the lid lock assembly 188 such that the lever 5208can be moved (e.g., slid) relative to the lower housing 5204 (e.g.,through the slot 5216 of the lower housing 5204) between an examplelowered position 5408 associated with the unlocked configuration 5402 ofthe lid lock assembly 188 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 54) and an exampleraised position 5506 associated with the locked configuration 5502 ofthe lid lock assembly 188 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 55). The link 5210 ofthe lid lock assembly 188 extends between and is pivotally coupled(e.g., via one or more fastener(s)) to the locking flange 5206 and tothe lever 5208. The link 5210 operatively couples the locking flange5206 to the lever 5208 such that movement of the lever 5208 istransferred from the lever 5208 to the link 5210, and from the link 5210to the locking flange 5206. In this regard, the link 5210 is configuredto transfer and/or convert sliding movement of the lever 5208 intorotational movement of the locking flange 5206. Accordingly, the lockingflange 5206 is positioned in the lowered position 5404 described abovewhen the lever 5208 is positioned in the lowered position 5408 shown inFIG. 54. Conversely, the locking flange 5206 is positioned in the raisedposition 5504 described above when the lever 5208 is positioned in theraised position 5506 shown in FIG. 55.

The tension spring 5212 of the lid lock assembly 188 is coupled at afirst end to the link 5210 of the lid lock assembly 188, and is furthercoupled at a second end opposite the first end to the lower housing 5204of the lid lock assembly 188, thereby directly biasing the link 5210downward (e.g., in a direction toward the bottom of lower housing 5204),and indirectly biasing the locking flange 5206 into the lowered position5404 and/or the lever 5208 into the lowered position 5408 respectivelyshown in FIG. 54. The lever 5208 is configured to move (e.g., slide)from the lowered position 5408 into the raised position 5506 shown inFIG. 55 in response to the front leg 140 of the first leg unit 136and/or the front leg 162 of the second leg unit 158 of the portablegrill 100 contacting the lever 5208 and forcing the lever 5208 upwards(e.g., against the biasing force produced by the tension spring 5212) inconnection with the portable grill 100 being transitioned from theerected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10 into the collapsedconfiguration 1102 shown in FIGS. 11-20.

When the lid lock assembly 188 is positioned in the unlockedconfiguration 5402 shown in FIG. 54, as occurs when the portable grill100 is positioned in the erected configuration 102 shown in FIGS. 1-10,the lever 5208 is in the lowered position 5408, the locking flange 5206is in the lowered position 5404, and the lid 106 of the portable grill100 is free to open relative to the cookbox 104 of the portable grill100. Conversely, when the lid lock assembly 188 is positioned in thelocked configuration 5502 shown in FIG. 55, as occurs when the portablegrill 100 is positioned in the collapsed configuration 1102 shown inFIGS. 11-20, the lever 5208 is in the raised position 5506, the lockingflange 5206 is in the raised position 5504, and the lid 106 of theportable grill 100 is blocked and/or prevented from opening relative tothe cookbox 104 of the portable grill 100.

FIG. 56 is an exploded view of the portable grill 100 of FIGS. 1-20,showing numerous parts and/or components of the portable grill 100 in anunassembled or partially unassembled state, including parts and/orcomponents of the portable grill 100 that may otherwise be covered,concealed, hidden, and/or not entirely visible in the views of theportable grill 100 provided via FIGS. 1-20 and described above.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable grill movable between an erectedconfiguration and a collapsed configuration, the portable grillcomprising: a valve and regulator assembly having a tank connector, thetank connector configured to removably couple a fuel tank to the valveand regulator assembly; and a tank blocker configured to prevent theportable grill from being moved from the erected configuration into thecollapsed configuration when the portable grill is in the erectedconfiguration and the fuel tank is coupled to the tank connector, thetank blocker movable from a blocked configuration into an unblockedconfiguration, the tank blocker configured to: prevent movement of theportable grill from the erected configuration into the collapsedconfiguration when the tank blocker is in the blocked configuration; andenable movement of the portable grill from the erected configurationinto the collapsed configuration when the tank blocker is in theunblocked configuration; wherein movement of the tank blocker from theblocked configuration into the unblocked configuration occursautomatically in response to the fuel tank being uncoupled from the tankconnector.
 2. The portable grill of claim 1, wherein the tank blocker isoperatively coupled to a leg lock assembly of the portable grill, theleg lock assembly including a handle actuatable to unlock a leg unit ofthe portable grill, the unlocking of the leg unit to enable movement ofthe portable grill from the erected configuration into the collapsedconfiguration.
 3. The portable grill of claim 2, wherein the leg lockassembly further includes a lever, the handle coupled to the lever andslidable relative to the lever between a retracted position and anextended position.
 4. The portable grill of claim 3, wherein the leglock assembly further includes a spring configured to bias the handleinto the retracted position.
 5. The portable grill of claim 3, whereinthe lever includes a first notch and the handle includes a second notch,the first notch being aligned with the second notch when the handle isin the retracted position, the first notch being offset from the secondnotch when the handle is in the extended position.
 6. The portable grillof claim 5, wherein the tank blocker includes an arm pivotally coupledto the lever, the arm being receivable within the first notch and thesecond notch when the handle is in the retracted position, the arm beingblocked from being received within the first notch and the second notchwhen the handle is in the extended position.
 7. The portable grill ofclaim 6, wherein the tank blocker is configured to: enable an uncoupledfuel tank to become coupled to the tank connector when the handle is inthe retracted position; and prevent an uncoupled fuel tank from becomingcoupled to the tank connector when the handle is in the extendedposition.
 8. The portable grill of claim 5, wherein the tank blockerincludes a wire form having a first arm, a second arm spaced apart fromthe first arm, and a central portion extending between the first andsecond arms, the first and second arms pivotally coupled to the lever.9. The portable grill of claim 8, wherein the central portion includes acontoured profile configured to complement a contoured profile of thefuel tank.
 10. A portable grill movable between an erected configurationand a collapsed configuration, the portable grill comprising: a valveand regulator assembly having a tank connector, the tank connectorconfigured to removably couple a fuel tank to the valve and regulatorassembly; and a tank blocker including a wire form, the wire form havinga first arm, a second arm spaced apart from the first arm, and a centralportion extending between the first and second arms, the central portionhaving a contoured profile configured to complement a contoured profileof the fuel tank, the tank blocker configured to prevent the portablegrill from being moved from the erected configuration into the collapsedconfiguration when the portable grill is in the erected configurationand the fuel tank is coupled to the tank connector, the tank blockermovable from a blocked configuration into an unblocked configuration,the tank blocker configured to: prevent movement of the portable grillfrom the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration when thetank blocker is in the blocked configuration; and enable movement of theportable grill from the erected configuration into the collapsedconfiguration when the tank blocker is in the unblocked configuration;wherein movement of the tank blocker from the blocked configuration intothe unblocked configuration occurs automatically in response to the fueltank being uncoupled from the tank connector.
 11. The portable grill ofclaim 10, wherein the tank blocker is operatively coupled to a leg lockassembly of the portable grill, the leg lock assembly including a handleactuatable to unlock a leg unit of the portable grill, the unlocking ofthe leg unit to enable movement of the portable grill from the erectedconfiguration into the collapsed configuration.
 12. The portable grillof claim 11, wherein the leg lock assembly further includes a lever, thefirst and second arms pivotally coupled to the lever, the handle coupledto the lever and slidable relative to the lever between a retractedposition and an extended position.
 13. The portable grill of claim 12,wherein the leg lock assembly further includes a spring configured tobias the handle into the retracted position.
 14. The portable grill ofclaim 12, wherein the lever includes a first notch and the handleincludes a second notch, the first notch being aligned with the secondnotch when the handle is in the retracted position, the first notchbeing offset from the second notch when the handle is in the extendedposition.
 15. The portable grill of claim 14, wherein the first arm isreceivable within the first notch and the second notch when the handleis in the retracted position, and wherein the first arm is blocked frombeing received within the first notch and the second notch when thehandle is in the extended position.
 16. The portable grill of claim 15,wherein the tank blocker is configured to: enable an uncoupled fuel tankto become coupled to the tank connector when the handle is in theretracted position; and prevent the uncoupled fuel tank from becomingcoupled to the tank connector when the handle is in the extendedposition.